Comp2- software and programming languages Flashcards
What is software?
consists of sequences of instructions called programs that can be understood and executed by hardware.
What is the operating system?
Acts as an interface between the user and the hardware and provides the user with a virtual machine. WHich makes it easier to use, as its hiding the hardware complexity and removes direct hardware interactions.
Provide a software platforms for other programs to run on.
What are two types of software?
SYstem software
and Application software.
What are 4 types of system software?
operating system
library programs
utility programs
programming language translators.
What are the 3 types of application software?
general-purpose application software
special-purpose application software
bespoke application software
3 examples of a utilty program?
disk formatter, file compression, and firewall.
3 examples of a translator?
Assembler
Interpreter
compiler
3 examples of a general purpose app software.
word processor
spreadsheet
database manager
3 examples of a special purpose app software.
payroll
(web browser)
tax calculator.
2 examples of bespoke app software?
air traffic control
London congestion.
What is a bespoke application software
Written for one customers specific needs- cant buy it from shops.
What are library programs
a collection of compiled routines for use in other programs.
What are utility programs?
programs that preform a very specific task related to working with computers.
What is an assembler?
translates assembly language into machine code.
What is a compiler?
translates higher level language into object code (machine code)
Does it all the translating at once before the program is run.
Compiled code in a .exe
What is an interpreter?
Translates a high level language to machine code one line at a time , while the program is being run. interpreted code isn’t stored.
What us general purpose software?
software that can be sued for many different tasks.
What is special purpose software?
software designed to support one specific task.
Why use a interpreter over a compiler?
They are easier to write.
Less resource intensive.
Used in javascipt (in browers) to avoid the platform specficness of storing as .exe.
May be used to test sections during program development to avoid translating everything.
Why use a compiler over a interpreter?
Faster at running
more efficient at running
no IDE or compiler needed to run the program.
the source code is hidden.
What is object code?
Is the machine code language of the target machine.
What are the four generations of programming language?
- Machine code.
- Assembly language
- Imperative high level languages.
- Declarative high level language.
What is a declarative language?
Programs define goals and rules without specifying the precise flow of control in the algorithm.
what is a imperative language?
Programs consist of a list of commands to be executed in sequence. That specify how to solve a problem.