There are two main types of development environments:
- Interpreted: In an interpreted environment such as Python or Ruby, the program can be entered line by line and run at any point. Each line is evaluated and executed as it's entered and the results are immediately returned to the console. Interpreted environments are dynamic because they provide immediate feedback and are useful for the rapid exploration of algorithms and program features. Programs entered here tend to require the interpreting environment to be running as well.
- Compiled: In a compiled environment such as C, C++, C#, or Objective-C, programs are entered into one or more files, then compiled all at once, and if no errors are found, the program can be run as a whole. Each of these phases is distinct, with separate programs used for each phase. Compiled programs tend to execute faster since there is a separate, full compilation phase, and can be run independently of the interpreting environment.
As with shampoo, where we are accustomed to wet hair, lather, rinse, and repeat, we will do the same with C – we will become familiar with the edit, compile, run, verify, and repeat cycle.