Paper 2: Software Flashcards
What is programming software?
Software designed to allow the user to write computer programs.
What are programming languages?
The words/symbols used to give the computer instructions to follow.
What are the three main types of programming languages?
- High-Level Language
- Assembly Language
- Machine Code
Define High-Level Language.
A programming language that is easy for humans to read and write, using words and symbols.
What is Assembly Language?
A low-level programming language that uses simple commands instead of binary code.
What is Machine Code?
The lowest level of programming language, made up of binary (1s and 0s).
What is a key disadvantage of writing code in Assembly Language?
It is harder/more time-consuming to write.
List one advantage of writing code in Assembly Language.
Likely to run very quickly as only needs a small amount of translation.
What is a key advantage of writing code in High-Level Languages?
More user-friendly to write.
What is a main disadvantage of High-Level Languages?
May not run as quickly due to code bloat.
What are the three types of translators in programming software?
- Assembler
- Interpreter
- Compiler
What does an Assembler do?
Translates low-level language, Assembly Language, into binary.
What is the function of an Interpreter?
Directly executes high-level instructions line by line.
What is a Compiler?
Translates all of the high-level language program before it runs, producing an executable file.
What is one advantage of using an Interpreter?
Ease of debugging due to line-by-line execution.
What is a disadvantage of using an Interpreter?
Slower execution overall compared to compiled code.
List two advantages of using Compilers.
- Faster execution overall
- Error detection before execution
What is a disadvantage of Compilers?
Platform dependence; needs to be recompiled for different operating systems.
What is an Integrated Development and Learning Environment (IDLE)?
Combines lots of programming software together in one environment.
Name two features of an IDLE.
- Editor
- Run-time Environment (SHELL)
What is syntax highlighting in programming software?
A feature that changes the colour of different parts of the code to make it easier to read.
What does code completion do?
Provides suggestions to speed up coding and reduce typing errors.
What is the purpose of error diagnostics in programming software?
Helps identify mistakes or errors in code and suggests possible fixes.
What is meant by ‘online help’ in an IDLE?
Access to documentation, tutorials, or FAQs directly from the development environment.
