Languages

Question 1

Definition of a High Level Language:

Answer 1

A programming language used for coding which is closer to English and easier to learn.

Question 2

Definition of a Low Level Language:

Answer 2

A programming language used for coding which operates close to the hardware of a computer and is less like English.

Question 3

Definition of Machine Code:

Answer 3

A low level language using binary, uses one instruction per line.

Question 4

Definition of Assembly Code:

Answer 4

Similar to machine code, a low level language using mnemonics, each line is translated into one line of machine code, often used in embedded systems.

Question 5

Definition of a Compiler.

Answer 5

A Compiler is a translator that converts the entire source code into object code which can then be run as an executable file.

Question 6

What is an Assembler?

Answer 6

A compiler for turning assembly code into machine code.

Question 7

Definition of an Interpreter.

Answer 7

An Interpreter is a translator that reads and executes source code line by line, without converting it into machine code first.

Question 8

Give 2 Advantages and 1 Disadvantage of a Compiler:

Answer 8

Advantages: Faster, Code only needs to be compiled once, Easier to share
Disadvantages: Hard to debug

Question 9

Give 2 Advantages and 1 Disadvantage of an Interpreter:

Answer 9

Advantages: Easier to debug, Multiplatform
Disadvantages: Slower, Code needs to be interpreted every time it is run

Question 10

What is Bytecode?

Answer 10

A type of object code which high level languages can be compiled into.

Question 11

Why is Bytecode used?

Answer 11

It is a compromise between a Compiler and Interpreter, since it needs both to run, and therefore is more secure and can be used across platforms.