Fundamentals of Computer Systems Flashcards
Utility Programs
Programs that perform a specific common task related to running the computer eg zipping files, anti-virus program, backup software or registry cleaner
Library Programs
Code, data and resources that can be called by other programs eg DLL files or Python with its library with inbuilt functions.
Translators
Software that converts programming language instructions into 0s and 1s (machine code). There are three types - compilers, assemblers and interpreters.
Compiler
A program that translated a high-level language into machine code by translating all of the code.
Assembler
A program that translated a program written in assembly language into machine code.
Interpreter
A program for translating a high-level language by reading each statement in the source code and immediately performing the action.
Machine Code
Assembly Language
The lowest level of code made up of 0s and 1s
A way of programming that involves writing mnemonics
Mnemonics - short codes that are used as instructions when programming eg LDR, ADD
Source Code
Programming code that has not yet been compiled into an executable file
Object Code
Compiled code that can be run as an executable on any computer.
Low-Level Language
High-Level Language
Machine code and assembly language
A programming language that allows programs to be written using English keywords and that is platform independent.
Imperative Language
A language based on giving the computer commands or procedures to follow
Declarative Languages
Languages that declare of specify what properties a result should have eg results will be based on functions
Functional Language
A programming paradigm that uses mathematical functions.
Bytecode
An instruction set used for programming that can be executed on any computer using a virtual machine.
Virtual Machine
The concept that all of the complexities of using a computer are hidden from the user and other software in the OS.
