Low Level Processing - Machine Code & Translators Flashcards
What is machine code?
The language which computers understand, and is made up of binary numbers
What is translation?
Changing a program from one language to another
Define the ‘system software’
It is a collection of programs that help to computer hardware work properly
What is a compiler?
A program that can translate a HLL program into machine code in a single operation
What is an interpreter?
A program that changes HLL into machine code one instruction at a time and then carries it out
Why do interpreted programs run more slowly than compiled programs?
The interpreter must translate each instruction every time the program is run
What is an advantage of using an interpreter? What is a disadvantage?
- 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
What is an advantage of using a compiler? What is a disadvantage?
- 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
What is the ‘portability of software’?
This is whether or not you can run a program you write on one computer on another computer
Why are programs written in machine code not portable?
They are related directly to the processor of a computer