RNA is definitely not like an "abstract syntax tree" or "intermediate representation". It is the final machine code that is executed by ribosomes to build proteins. Proteins aren't really "executable programs", they are either passive building blocks or simple tools that do the same thing over and over again.

There are "programs" implemented by proteins and other components at a higher level (even things like clocks), but trying to include everything in one metaphor will stretch it to the breaking point.