Compiler vs Interpreter vs Transpiler

As is mentioned in this Wiki article, it is a type of compiler which translates source code from one programming language to another programming language. The source code might be in some language no longer used, or doesn't support latest hardware/software advancements, or as per programmer's convenience/favoritism.

A VB6 to VB.NET converter can be thought of as a Transpiler. I might think of COBOL to C# / C++ / Java tool as a transpiler.

Compiler - compiles code to a lower level code.

Example:

• "Developer code" -> "Machine code"
• PHP -> C
• Java -> bytecode

Transpiler - compiles code to same level of code/abstraction.

Example:

• "Developer code" -> "Another developer code or version"
• JavaScript ES2015+ -> JavaScript ES5

Interpreter - interprets code, not really in the same class/league/context with the two above.

Example: php.exe

• "Your PHP code/scripts inside index.php" -> "Results to html or just like pure index.html"