Editing Interpreter (computing) (section)

== Applications ==
* Interpreters are frequently used to execute [[command language]]s, and [[glue language]]s since each operator executed in command language is usually an invocation of a complex routine such as an editor or compiler.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}}
* [[Self-modifying code]] can easily be implemented in an interpreted language. This relates to the origins of interpretation in Lisp and [[artificial intelligence]] research.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}}
* [[Virtualization]]. Machine code intended for a hardware architecture can be run using a [[virtual machine]]. This is often used when the intended architecture is unavailable, or among other uses, for running multiple copies.
* [[Sandbox (computer security)|Sandboxing]]: While some types of sandboxes rely on operating system protections, an interpreter or virtual machine is often used. The actual hardware architecture and the originally intended hardware architecture may or may not be the same. This may seem pointless, except that sandboxes are not compelled to actually execute all the instructions the source code it is processing. In particular, it can refuse to execute code that violates any [[computer security|security]] constraints it is operating under.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}}
* [[Emulator]]s for running computer software written for obsolete and unavailable hardware on more modern equipment.