What is the term for a program that translates written statements from one programming language to another?

The term "translator" is often used in a broader sense to describe any program that converts code written in one programming language to another. This includes both interpreters and compilers, as they both serve the function of translating source code into another form, either executing it directly (as in interpretation) or converting it into machine code for later execution (as in compilation).

Although "translator" encompasses these various forms of translation, in practice, more specific terms are typically employed. For example, an interpreter translates and executes code line by line at runtime, while a compiler translates the entirety of the program before it is run. An assembler translates assembly language into machine code, which is a lower level of programming language.

The use of "translator" in this context correctly captures the essence of transforming one language's code into another, highlighting its broader role in software development. This makes it a fitting choice for the question, even if in specific scenarios, more precise terms could be preferred for clarity on the operation being performed.