EoY (chapter 4: High & Low Level Languages, Compilers & Interpreters)

Question 1

Programming languages?

Answer 1

• there is high level and low level
• computer’s language = machine code
• most programmers write in high level

Question 2

high level advantages (4 points):

Answer 2

1. works on different machines (independent of the platform being used)
2. easier to correct errors
3. easier to read, write, and understand
4. quicker to write programs

Question 3

high level disadvantages (3 points):

Answer 3

1. programs can be larger
2. programs can take longer to execute
3. it may not be able to use special hardware

Question 4

low level advantages (5 points):

Answer 4

1. can use special hardware
2. doesn’t take up much space (uses less memory)
3. can use machine-specific instructions
4. works directly on the CPU
5. executes instructions faster

Question 5

low level disadvantages (2 points):

Answer 5

1. takes longer to write programs
2. programs are more difficult to understand

Question 6

complier? (5 points)

Answer 6

1. translates high-level into machine code (AT ONCE)
2. an exe file is produced
3. one high-level language statement can be translated into several machine code instructions
4. usually distributed for general use
5. complied programs can be run without the complier

Question 7

interpreters? (4 points)

Answer 7

1. translates high-level but ONE LINE AT A TIME
2. no executable file of machine code produced
3. interpreted programs can’t be run without the interpreter
4. is often used when a program is being developed

Question 8

advantages + disadvantages of interpreters

Answer 8

advantages:
1. easy + quick to debug and test during development
2. easier to edit programs during development

disadvantages:
1. programs can’t be run without the interpreter
2. programs take longer to execute

Question 9

advantages + disadvantages of compliers

Answer 9

advantages:
1. a complied program can be stored
2. it can be executed without the complier
3. takes up less space in memory
4. executed in a shorter time

disadvantages:
1. takes a long time to test, write, and debug during development

Question 10

assemblers?

Answer 10

• translates low-level language to machine code
• only option for low-level language programs
• executable file produced
• assembled programs can be used without the assembler
• usually distributed for general use