Software Engineneering Flashcards
Editor
Allows a programmer to enter, format and edit source code.
Compiler
Converts source code into executable machine code. Once compiled, a program can
be run at any time.
Interpreter
Converts each line of source code into machine code, and executes it as each line of code is run. The conversion process is performed each time the program needs to be run.
Linker
A program which allows previously compiled code, from software libraries, to be linked together.
Loader
A program which loads previously compiled code into memory.
Debugger
A program which helps locate, identify and rectify errors in a program.
Trace
A facility which displays the order in which the lines of a program are executed, and possibly the values of variables as the program is being run.
Break Point
Interrupts a program on a specific line of code, allowing the programmer to compare the values of variables against expected values. The program code can then usually be executed one line at a time. This is called single-stepping.
Variable watch
A facility that displays the current value of any variable. The value can be ‘watched’ as the program code is single-stepped to see the effects of the code on the variable. Alternatively a variable watch may be set, which will interrupt the program flow if the watched variable reaches a specified value.
Memory inspector
A facility which will display the contents of a section of memory.
Error diagnostics
Used when a program fails to compile or to run. Error messages are displayed to help the programmer diagnose what has gone wrong.
Library
A collection of private functions and subprograms.
What are the advantages of using standard libraries?
Related private functions and subprograms are stored in the same location.
Time is saved as the programmer can simply use the private functions and programs stored in a library.
Subroutines contained in a library have already been tested, so they should work reliably and not need further testing.
Programs will contain less code and will therefore be easier to maintain.
What is a software development environment?
Software development environments, also known as Integrated Development Environments (IDE), provide programmers with various tools that are needed to create computer programs.
What is source code?
Usually high-level language
