Levels of Programming
Give two examples of High Level language
Examples include:
Java, Python, Pascal, C# and more
What does an assembler do?
Translates assembly language
What are interpreters and compilers used for?
High Level languages
What does an IDE stand for
Integrated Development Environment
Define machine code
Instructions that the processor can understand, due to it being written in binary or hexadecimal, without using a translator
What does an interpreter do?
It translates a line of High Level code and then executes that line before moving to translate the next line
What is an advantage of a compiler?
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
Define an IDE
A program that provides tools to develop programs
What does assembly language use to represent instructions?
Mnemonics
What does a compiler do?
Translates High Level code and then executes the whole code after it has all been translated
What is an advantage of an interpreter?
A program that contains errors can still be run, up to where the error exists and debugging is easier, as the problematic line can be easily pinpointed easily
What does the run-time environment in an IDE do?
Allows you to run your program whilst you are playing it
In what cases is High Level language more suitable to be used than Low Level?
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.
What translators should be used for Low Level languages?
An assembler if it is in assembly code, but nothing if in machine code, as the processor can already understand it
What is a disadvantage of a compiler?
More memory is needed for the compilation process than for interpretation and the entire program needs to be error-free in order for it to compile
What does the error diagnostics in an IDE do?
Highlights where an error occurred, the type of error and sometimes possible solutions to the error in the code
In what cases is Low Level language more suitable to be used than High Level?
Within an embedded system, as specific memory locations can be directly accessed and applications where the code must be executed as quickly as possible, and not waste time on translating
What does a translator translate the source code into?
The object code, which is what is executed by the program
What is a disadvantage of an interpreter?
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 almost all IDEs, what are the four main tools that are included?
The editor, error diagnostics, run-time environment and translators