What is one characteristic of compiled languages like C or C++?

One significant characteristic of compiled languages, such as C or C++, is that they typically provide faster execution compared to interpreted languages. This is because compiled languages are translated into machine code by a compiler before execution. The generated machine code is directly executed by the computer's hardware, resulting in quicker performance during runtime.

In contrast, interpreted languages translate code line by line at runtime, which can introduce delays since each line must be processed individually. The compilation process allows for various optimizations that can improve the efficiency of the resulting executable, contributing to faster execution overall.

Regarding other characteristics, while compiled languages may require more memory due to the additional overhead of the executable file, this is not a defining feature and can vary based on the specific implementation and use case. Portability can also differ between languages; compiled languages often require recompilation for different platforms, which can limit their portability compared to interpreted languages. Lastly, the line-by-line translation characteristic is more applicable to interpreted languages and not typically to compiled languages like C or C++.