Translators and facilities of languages Flashcards
What is machine code?
A low level language composed of binary instructions which can be directly understood by the computer
What are the disadvantages of machine code?
Hard to write as it is very error-prone
Hard to understand by humans
What is a low level language?
A programming language similar to machine code
What is assembly language?
A low level language which uses mnemonics
What are the advantages of assembly language?
A lot easier to write and to understand than machine code
Easier to understand by the computer than a high level language
What is a disadvantage of assembly language?
It can be difficult to learn
What is an example of where assembly language is used?
In embedded systems
What is a high level language?
A programming language allowing programmers to code a solution to a problem
What are 3 features of a high level language?
It isn’t machine specific
Uses English-like statements
Uses key words
Uses syntax (rules)
What is a translator?
A program which converts a high level language or low level language into machine code
What are the 3 types of translators?
Assembler
Compiler
Interpreter
What is an assembler?
A program which translates assembly language into machine code
What is a compiler?
A program which translates high level languages into machine code
What is an interpreter?
A program which translates high level languages into machine code one line at a time, executing each as they are translated
What are the 2 main features of a compiler?
Creates an executable file which can be used without needing the compiler present
Is quick to run
What are the 4 main features of an interpreter?
Translates/executes one line at a time
Is slow to run
Requires the interpreter to be present to execute the program
You can use it to quickly identify problems
What is an IDE?
Integrated Development Environment: a software package that provides tools to develop a program or software
What facilities does an IDE provide?
Source code editor Interpreter Compiler Automation tools Debugger
