Low Level Processing - Machine Code & Translators Flashcards

1
Q

What is machine code?

A

The language which computers understand, and is made up of binary numbers

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2
Q

What is translation?

A

Changing a program from one language to another

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3
Q

Define the ‘system software’

A

It is a collection of programs that help to computer hardware work properly

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4
Q

What is a compiler?

A

A program that can translate a HLL program into machine code in a single operation

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5
Q

What is an interpreter?

A

A program that changes HLL into machine code one instruction at a time and then carries it out

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6
Q

Why do interpreted programs run more slowly than compiled programs?

A

The interpreter must translate each instruction every time the program is run

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7
Q

What is an advantage of using an interpreter? What is a disadvantage?

A
  • An advantage is that errors are highlighted immediately and programs that are only partly complete can be run
  • A disadvantage is that programs run slower and the source code & interpreter itself needs to always be installed
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8
Q

What is an advantage of using a compiler? What is a disadvantage?

A
  • An advantage is that compiled code runs very fast, the machine code doesn’t take up much space and the code can’t be changed
  • A disadvantage is that Errors aren’t highlighted immediately
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9
Q

What is the ‘portability of software’?

A

This is whether or not you can run a program you write on one computer on another computer

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10
Q

Why are programs written in machine code not portable?

A

They are related directly to the processor of a computer

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