C10 Flashcards
Define machine code
A unique instruction set of binary instructions which the cpu can only understand
Assembly
A easier version of machine code for humans to understand which uses mnemonics.
What is an assembler
A program that converts assembly language into machine code
Examples of a low-level language
Assembly, C,
Define compiler
Reads the whole code and converts it into a single executable file.
Advantages of a compiler
Good for finished products.
Fast to run.
No one can see the source code
Define interpreter
Converts code into machine code line by line.
Advantages and disadvantages of interpreter
Good for program development
Good for catching errors
Not suitable to convert into a final executable file
Takes as long time to run as each line has to be converted each time it is run
Define high level programming language
Code in an English like structure
E.g. Python, Visual Basic,
Advantages of high level language
Less time consuming to write code
Not necessary to know registers and cpu mnemonics.
Not unique to one computer so can be ported to other machines
Advantages of low level programming language
Requires less processing power + execution time
Allows us to directly control hardware
What is an IDE
Integrated development environment.
A suite of tools to help the developer
Features of IDE’S (7)
Autocompletion
Bracket matching
Auto identation
Auto documentation
Debugging tools
Variable tracing
Run time environments
What is a run time environment
Tools to support the execution of the program such as:
Graphics interface
Crashes log
Define autodocumetation
Keeping a tally of all variables in use and their values. Helpful for dry runs
