2.5

Question 1

machine code

Answer 1

• binary representation of instructions in a format that the CPU can decode and execute
• have an operation code (op code) instruction and address or data to use

Question 2

what are low level languages

Answer 2

• written in assembly language
• translated by an assembler into machine code

Question 3

what are low level languages used for

Answer 3

• for embedded systems and device drivers where instructing the hardware directly is necessary

Question 4

high level languages

Answer 4

• e.g. languages such as python, c++, java, visual basic
• translated by a compiler or interpreter into machine code

Question 5

advantages of high level languages

Answer 5

• makes writing computer programs or interpreter into machine code
• one source code instruction translates into many machine code instructions
• code will run on different types of processors
• code is quicker and easier to understand and write

Question 6

disadvantages of high level languages

Answer 6

• less memory efficient
• code will be slower to execute if it is not optimised

Question 7

advantages of low level languages

Answer 7

• code is fast to execute
• memory efficient

Question 8

disadvantages of low level languages

Answer 8

• code is harder to write and understand
• the code works on one type of processor only

Question 9

advantages of interpreters

Answer 9

• easy to write source code because the program will always run
• code does not need to be recompiled when changed, making it beginner friendly

Question 10

disadvantages of interpreters

Answer 10

• translation software is needed at run time
• speed of execution is slower
• code is not optimised
• source code is needed

Question 11

advantages of compilers

Answer 11

• no need for translation software at runtime
• speed of execution is faster
• code is usually optimised
• original code is kept secret

Question 12

disadvantages of compilers

Answer 12

• the program will not run with syntax errors, making it more difficult to write the code
• code needs to be recompiled when the code is changed
• designed for a specific type of processor

Question 13

functions of IDEs

Answer 13

• debugging tools for finding logic errors
• help with preventing and identifying syntax errors
• providing a run time environment

Question 14

differences between compilers and interpreters

Answer 14

• compilers translate code in one go
• interpreters translate one line at a time
• compilers create an executable
• Compilers report all errors at the end
• interpreters stop when they finds an error

Question 15

what is the purpose of an assembler

Answer 15

to translate machine code into binary

Question 16

purpose of translators

Answer 16

Convert a program written by a programmer into binary code that the computer can decode and execute

Question 17

what is an IDE

Answer 17

A suite of tools that helps a programmer to write error-free, maintainable code

Question 18

Run-time environment

Answer 18

tool used by the IDE to enable program to be run

Question 19

Common tools and facilities available in an IDE

Answer 19

• Editors
• Error diagnostics
• Run-time environment
• Translators

Question 20

what does debugging software do

Answer 20

displays information about errors

Question 21

compiler

Answer 21

• tests all code at once to check for errors

Question 22

interpreter

Answer 22

• checks for errors in code one line at a time