A compiler converts code in one language to another language. That’s the literal definition. In the case of machine code, the “collection” step would be perform

A compiler converts code in one language to another language. That’s the literal definition. In the case of machine code, the “collection” step would be performed by the linker. gcc compiling some C and Babel compiling some JavaScript are both performing the same role. So much so the similarities in how they carry it out are striking.