What is the key distinction between compilation and interpretation in programming?

The key distinction between compilation and interpretation in programming lies in how the source code is processed to produce executable code. When discussing compilation, it refers to the process where the entire source code of a program is translated into machine code or bytecode before any execution occurs. This means that all code is processed at once, generating an executable file that can be run independently of the source code. This is in contrast to interpreted languages, where code is executed line by line, allowing for immediate feedback on errors and enabling dynamic execution.

The option highlighting compilation accurately captures this concept by emphasizing that it translates the entire program before any execution starts, which can improve performance since the compiled code is optimized for execution. With this distinction, programmers can choose between using a compiled language for maximized efficiency or an interpreted language for greater flexibility during development. Understanding this difference is crucial for programming because it affects how errors are handled, speed of execution, and the overall workflow when writing and executing code.