CS - Comp Systems - Translators Flashcards

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1
Q

Describe the role of a Translator

A

Ensures code is executable (in binary form for processor to handle) because processors can’t understand the English-like instructions used by programmers when coding in high level languages.

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2
Q

State the two types of translator

A

Compiler and Interpreter

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3
Q

Describe the role of a Compiler

A

Translates source code into object code. Object code is held in a new file and does not need translator software to run.

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4
Q

List 4 features of a compiler

A
  • translates lines one after another but does not execute immediately after translation.
  • once created, object code can run independently of development environment and translator software
  • if the object code file contains errors, the program will crash or cause unexpected output.
  • compiler is only held in RAM for the time that it takes to translate source code into object code
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5
Q

Describe the role of an Interpreter

A

Translates source code directly into machine code. The translator runs throughout this translation and execution process.

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6
Q

List 4 features of an Interpreter

A
  • source code is translated to machine code one at a time
  • software is present in main memory during each execution of program and execution of every line
  • execution will stop immediately if the interpreter translates a line of source code that results in an error
  • cannot determine the actual error but can indicate the line that was not translated into executable machine code
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