2.5 Programming Languages and IDEs

Question 1

Define a high level language

Answer 1

The source
code is easy for humans to write
as the instructions are very similar
to English and Maths we use.

Question 2

Give an example of a high level language

Answer 2

Python

Question 3

Define a low level language

Answer 3

Low Level Languages are more
difficult for humans to read and
write. They use commands which
are close to the computer’s
instruction set.

Question 4

Define machine code

Answer 4

Machine code is the set of
instructions that a CPU
understands directly. A program
written in machine code would
consist of only 0s and 1s

Question 5

Define assembly language

Answer 5

Assembly language sits between
machine code and high-level
languages. Assembly language
uses mnemonics Each mnemonic
equals a machine code instruction.

Question 6

What do translators do?

Answer 6

Translators convert programming
languages into machine code. This
needs to be done so that the
computer can execute the
instructions.

Question 7

What does a compiler do?

Answer 7

A Compiler translates all of the
source code at the same time and
creates an executable file. When
compiling is complete it will return
a list of errors for the program.

Question 8

What does an interpreter do?

Answer 8

An Interpreter translates and runs
the source code one instruction at
a time. You need the interpreter
every time you run the program.

Question 9

What does IDE stand for?

Answer 9

Integrated Development Environment

Question 10

What is an IDE?

Answer 10

The IDE is a piece of software that
provides features to help a
programmer to develop their
program.

Question 11

Give an example of an IDE

Answer 11

IDLE Python

Question 12

What is a code editor?

Answer 12

This is the part of the IDE where
the code is written. Most code
editors will have line numbering,
auto-colouring, auto-indentation
and auto-complete.

Question 13

What does a Run Time Environment do?

Answer 13

This allows the code to be run
quickly within the IDE. This is
usually done using a run button.

Question 14

What is a break point and what does it do?

Answer 14

‘Breakpoints’ can be placed in the
code and when that point is
reached in the program as it runs,
it stops and allows you to see
variable values at that instant.

Question 15

What does Error Diagnostics and Bugging do?

Answer 15

This helps you to find and fix
errors in a program. It will tell you
the location of the error and
suggest ways to fix it.