What is bytecode in Python?

Life is short

"You need Python" — Bruce Eckel

Python bytecode refers to the intermediate representation of Python source code that is generated by the Python compiler. When you write Python code, it is first compiled into bytecode before being executed by the Python interpreter.

Here's how the process typically works:

1. Source code: You write your Python code in a text file with a .py extension. This is the human-readable form of your program.

2. Compilation: When you run or import a Python script, the Python compiler (part of the Python interpreter) translates the source code into a lower-level representation called bytecode. The compilation process involves lexical analysis, parsing, and semantic analysis of the source code.

3. Bytecode generation: The compiler generates a sequence of instructions, known as bytecode, which is a set of low-level instructions that can be executed by the Python interpreter. Bytecode is not specific to any particular hardware or operating system; it is designed to be platform-independent.

4. Execution: The Python interpreter then reads and executes the bytecode instructions one by one. It interprets the bytecode and performs the corresponding operations, such as assigning values to variables, executing loops, and calling functions.

The use of bytecode has several advantages:

1. Portability: Bytecode is platform-independent, meaning the same bytecode can be executed on different operating systems and hardware architectures as long as a compatible Python interpreter is available.

2. Efficiency: Bytecode is a more compact and optimized representation of the source code. It allows for faster execution compared to interpreting the original source code directly.

3. Dynamic features: Python bytecode includes additional instructions to support dynamic features such as introspection, reflection, and dynamic code execution. These features enable Python's flexibility and ability to modify its own structure and behavior at runtime.

Overall, bytecode serves as an intermediary step between the source code and the execution of a Python program. It enables efficient and platform-independent execution, making Python a versatile language.