According to Python’s standard documentation, compile() function returns code object from a string containing valid Python statements, a byte string or AST object.

A code object represents byte-compiled executable version of Python code or simply a BYTECODE. AST STANDS for Abstract syntax tree. The AST object is obtained by parsing a string containing Python code.

Syntax of compile() function looks as follows:

The source parameter can be a string, bytestring or AST object. Filename parameter is required if you are reading code from a file. The code object can be executed by exec() or eval() functions which is mode parameter. Other parameters are optional.

Thee FOLLOWING example compiles given string to a code object for it to be executed using exec() function.

The following example uses eval as mode parameter in compile() function. Resulting code object is executed using eval() function.

The AST object is first obtained by parse() function which is defined in ast module. It in turn is used to compile a code object.