2.2 - Applications Generation Flashcards
1
Q
What is application software?
A
- software designed to perform a specific task or tasks for a user
- enable users to perform tasks like creating documents, managing data, and surfing the web
2
Q
What are common types of application software?
A
- Word Processor, Database Management software, Web Browser,
Graphics manipulation, Spreadsheet Software, Presentation software, Antivirus Software, Email Client, Video editing software, Integrated development environment (IDE), Virtualisation software
3
Q
What is utility software?
A
- designed to help analyse, configure, optimise, or maintain a computer
- supports the operating system
4
Q
What is disk defragmentation?
A
- utility software that rearranges files on a hard drive to increase efficiency
- speeds up file access and can improve overall system performance by putting files into contiguous blocks and minimising empty space
5
Q
What is open-source software?
A
- software where users can view, modify and distribute the source code
- e.g. Linux, Apache HTTP Server
- Ideal for collaborative projects, customisation, transparency
6
Q
What is closed-source software?
A
- software where the source code is hidden and propriety
- e.g. Microsoft Windows, Adobe photoshop
- Ideal for businesses requiring polished, supported products, intellectual property protection
7
Q
What are the benefits of open-source software for the creator?
A
- collaboration
- community engagement
- faster innovation
8
Q
What are the drawbacks of open-source software for the creator?
A
- less control
- burdened with requests from users
9
Q
What are the benefits of closed-source software for the creator?
A
- greater control
- revenue through sales
- IP protection
10
Q
What are the drawbacks of closed-source software?
A
- slower innovation
- full responsibility for updates and flaws
11
Q
What are the benefits of open-source software for the user?
A
- often free
- customisable
- transparent
12
Q
What are the drawbacks of open-source software for the user?
A
- might be less user-friendly
- compatibility issues
- may contain bugs
13
Q
What are the benefits of closed-source software for the user?
A
- more polished products
- professional support
- consistency
14
Q
What are the drawbacks of closed-source software for the user?
A
- Costly
- less customisable
- potential trust issues
15
Q
What is a translator?
A
- convert source code from a high-level language to a low-level language
- Three main types:
Interpreters, Compilers, Assemblers
16
Q
What is an interpreter?
A
- interpret source-code line-by-line and execute it on the fly
- easier to debug, allows incremental testing, and is generally faster to start execution
- slower execution time overall and requires the interpreter to be present during execution
17
Q
What is a compiler?
A
- translates the entire source-code into machine code at once and then executes it
- faster execution time, no need for the compiler during execution
- Longer initial compilation time and can be more challenging to debug
18
Q
What is an assembler?
A
- translate assembly language into machine code
- assemblers deal with low-level languages
19
Q
What is compilation?
A
- a process that translates a program written in a high-level programming language into machine code
- only machine code can be executed by a computer
20
Q
What are the four stages of compilation?
A
- Lexical Analysis
- Syntax Analysis
- Code Generation
- Optimisation
21
Q
What is the lexical analysis stage of compilation?
A
- whitespace and comments removed from code
- keywords and names of variables and constants are replaced with tokens
- information about tokens stored in a symbol table
22
Q
What is the syntax anaylsis stage of compilation?
A
- tokens analysed against the rules of the programming language
- Tokens that break the rules are flagged up as syntax errors, e.g. undeclared variable type, incomplete set of brackets
- an abstract syntax tree is produced, which is a representation of the source-code in the form of a tree
- semantic analysis is carried out where logic mistakes within the program are detected, e.g. multiple decleration, undeclared identifiers
23
Q
What is the Code Generation stage of compilation?
A
- the abstract syntax tree is used to produce machine code
24
Q
What is the optimisation stage of compilation?
A
- searches through the code for areas it could be made more efficient to reduce execution time, but is a very time-consuming part of compilation
- Redundant parts of code are removed, Repeated sections of code are replaced with more efficient code.
- Excessive optimisation may alter the way in which the program behaves
25
Q
What is a linker?
A
- a piece of software responsible for linking external modules and libraries included within the code
- two types: static linker & dynamic linker
26
Q
What is a static linker?
A
- modules and libraries are included in the file
- this increases the size of the file
27
Q
What is a dynamic linker?
A
- addresses of modules and libraries are included in the file
- File size doesn’t change and external module/library updates automatically feed through to the main file
28
Q
What are loaders?
A
- programs provided by the operating system
- when a file with dynamically linked addresses is executed, the loader retrieves the library or module from the specified memory location
29
Q
What is a code library?
A
- a collection of pre-written code, classes, procedures, scripts, configurations and more
- they are packaged together to allow developers to perform common tasks without having to write code from scratch
30
Q
What are the benefits of using code libraries?
A
- Efficiency: Saves time and effort, as you don’t meed to write everything from scratch
- Reliability: Often tested and optimised, reducing the chance of errors
- Reusability: The same library can be used in different parts of the project or in different projects
- Community Support: Popular Libraries often have strong community support and documentation
31
Q
What are the drawbacks of using code libraries?
A
- Dependency issues: relying on a third-party library can lead to problems if the library is discontinued or not maintained
- Compatibility: there might be compatibility issues with different versions of the library or the system you are working on
- Overhead: Using a large library for a small task can add unnecesary complexity and size to the application
