Table of Contents
Python Execution model
Introduction
The Python execution model defines how Python code is interpreted and executed by the Python interpreter. It involves various stages such as lexical analysis, parsing, compilation, and execution of Python code. Understanding the execution model is crucial for developers to write efficient and reliable Python programs. Python's execution model is based on the principle of simplicity and readability, making it easy to understand and work with.
For more information, refer to the Python documentation on the execution model.
Lexical Analysis
Lexical analysis, also known as tokenization, is the first stage of the Python execution model. It involves breaking the source code into a sequence of tokens or lexemes, which are the smallest units of meaningful information in the code. Python's lexer scans the source code character by character and identifies tokens such as keywords, identifiers, operators, and literals. Here's an example of lexical analysis:
```python
- Example code
x = 10 ```
For more information, refer to the Python documentation on lexical analysis.
Parsing
Parsing is the second stage of the Python execution model, where the sequence of tokens generated during lexical analysis is organized into a hierarchical structure called the Abstract Syntax Tree (AST). The parser analyzes the syntactic structure of the code and constructs the AST, which represents the structure of the code in a tree-like format. Python's parser ensures that the code adheres to the syntax rules defined by the Python language specification. Here's an example of parsing:
```python
- Example code
if x > 0:
print("Positive")
```
For more information, refer to the Python documentation on parsing.
Compilation
Compilation is the third stage of the Python execution model, where the AST generated during parsing is translated into bytecode instructions that can be executed by the Python virtual machine (PVM). Python's compiler traverses the AST and emits bytecode instructions corresponding to each node in the tree. Bytecode is a low-level representation of the Python code that is platform-independent and can be executed by the PVM. Here's an example of compilation:
```python
- Example code
def greet(name):
print(f"Hello, {name}!")
greet(“Alice”) ```
For more information, refer to the Python documentation on compilation.
Execution
Execution is the final stage of the Python execution model, where the bytecode generated during compilation is executed by the Python virtual machine (PVM). The PVM interprets the bytecode instructions and executes them one by one, producing the desired output or side effects. Python's runtime environment manages memory allocation, garbage collection, exception handling, and other runtime aspects of program execution. Here's an example of execution:
```python
- Example code
def add(x, y):
return x + y
result = add(3, 5) print(result) ```
For more information, refer to the Python documentation on execution.
Code Example: Lexical Analysis
```python
- Example code
x = 10 ```
For more information, refer to the Python documentation on lexical analysis.
Code Example: Parsing
```python
- Example code
if x > 0:
print("Positive")
```
For more information, refer to the Python documentation on parsing.
Code Example: Compilation
```python
- Example code
def greet(name):
print(f"Hello, {name}!")
greet(“Alice”) ```
For more information, refer to the Python documentation on compilation.
Code Example: Execution
```python
- Example code
def add(x, y):
return x + y
result = add(3, 5) print(result) ```
For more information, refer to the Python documentation on execution.