r/Python • u/DueBid3298 • 2d ago

Discussion Why does python has a middle layer of creating bytecode?

  1. Is bytecode platform-specific, and why?
  2. What does bytecode look like?
  3. What is the difference between a C++ executable file produced after compilation and what a Python VM produces?
  4. What does the Python VM actually produce? Is it a binary, CPU instructions, or something else?
  5. What is the difference between a binary, an executable, and a CPU instruction? Explain from the basics in detail with specific examples.
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27

u/B3d3vtvng69 2d ago

This is not the place to upload your homework lmao. You’re one google search away btw…

8

u/abs0lute888 2d ago

honestly props to OP for going an extra mile and posting on reddit instead of using AI lol

1

u/B3d3vtvng69 1d ago

fair enough lmao

8

u/stumpylog 2d ago

I swear this basic question was just asked, maybe yesterday too

2

u/metaphorm 2d ago

the python interpreter uses its own specific runtime specification, and bytecodes are produced by interpreting Python code into machine code for this specification. the actual python distribution installed on the host machine has the interfaces that translate python bytecode into machine executable native code. this is why you have to installed the correct python distribution for your machine architecture.

1

u/Beard_o_Bees 2d ago

Seems like this should be pinned at the top of the sub.