Levels of programming
Why does a translator need to translate high-level programming code?
To convert it into binary as the computer can only understand binary
What does a versioning tool do in an IDE?
Allow you to trace back to different versions of the application to create new files with changes
What type of code requires an assembler to be translated?
Assembly code
What is meant by machine code?
Machine code is code for the CPU to execute that is not understandable by humans. It uses binary instructions and is specific to a type of computer. As it is in binary, it doesn't need to be translated
Identify two features of an IDE:
Error diagnostics, run-time environment, editor, translator, version control, break point or stepping
What is an advantage of using a compiler to translate code?
A compiled file will run more quickly than reinterpreting a source code file and it is more difficult for unauthorised people to modify your code if you use a compiler
What is an opcode and what is an operand?
An opcode is part of an instruction which specifies the operation to be carried out, and an operand is part of the instruction which supplies the data / address needed for an operation
What does auto-documentation do in an IDE (two things)
Helps with the maintenance of a program and can extract certain features of a program, like names of variables and comments
What is the purpose of a translator?
They convert/translate high-level code into machine code They maintain the function/logic of the original code.
When the program is going to be used on a variety of computer builds and if you are working alongside people who are more fluent in High Level languages than Low Level, which is more common
How can two tools in an IDE can help with programming?
Editor allows you to enter the program's code. Translators transform high-level code into machine code. Debugging tools highlights errors in code and sometimes provides a solution to that error.
What are the disadvantages of using a interpreter to translate code?
Every time you run the program, it needs to be interpreted, which is time-consuming and it is easier for unauthorised people to see and modify your source code
In what cases are low level language more suitable than high level language?
Within an embedded system, as specific memory locations can be directly accessed and also applications where the code must be executed as quickly as possible, and not waste time on translating
Identify two features of an IDE and its how it helps programmers:
Code completion will suggest variable / function names while typing, which leads to fewer errors. Debugging tools step through a program line by line, making it easier to identify logic errors. Translators run the program from the editor, so you can test the program immediately. Syntax highlighting colour codes variables and other parts of the code, so you can identify errors more easily. Run-time environment will make it quicker to test your program as it features all the requirements for a program to run
What are the differences between an interpreter and an compiler when translating?
Compilers translate all code in one go, whereas an interpreter will translate one line at a time. Interpreters execute one line at a time, whilst compilers create an executable file. Compilers report all errors at the end, but interpreters stop as soon as an error is spotted