2.5 languages & IDEs

• What are the two types of programming languages used within computer systems?

  High-Level Languages and Low-Level Languages
• Why do programmers use high-level languages?

  They are easier to understand and use, resembling natural human language.
• What does IDE stand for in programming?

  Integrated Development Environment
• What is a key advantage of using high-level languages over low-level languages?

  High-level languages lead to fewer errors and allow for more complex commands.
• What is the primary purpose of an IDE?

  To provide tools that help programmers create programs
• What must high-level languages be translated into before execution?

  Machine code (binary)
• What is the function of the editor in an IDE?

  It allows a programmer to enter and edit source code
• Name three popular high-level programming languages.

  Python, C++, and Java
• What are some features of an editor in an IDE?

  Automatic formatting, line numbering, and colour coding
• What characterizes low-level languages?

  They do not closely resemble natural human language, making them harder to understand.
• When are low-level languages typically used?

  When a program must be executed quickly or needs to interact directly with hardware.
• What does automatic line numbering help with?

  It helps to identify exactly where an error has occurred
• What are the two types of low-level languages?

  Machine Code and Assembly Language
• How does automatic colour coding assist programmers?

  It visually distinguishes different types of commands
• What is machine code?

  It is pure binary code that computers can directly process and execute.
• What is statement completion in an IDE?

  It offers to auto-complete a command as the user is typing
• Why is machine code difficult for humans to understand?

  Because it is extremely tedious and requires precise binary notation.
• What is the role of error diagnostics and debugger in an IDE?

  To help identify and fix errors in the code
• What is an advantage of using machine code?

  It executes faster than high-level programs since it does not need translation.
• What is a breakpoint in programming?

  A specific line selected to display variable values
• What does assembly language use to perform actions?

  Specialised command mnemonics
• What does single-stepping allow a programmer to do?

  Execute the code one line at a time to find errors
• What does the variable watch or watch window display?

  The current value of a selected variable
• Why do many programmers prefer assembly language over machine code?

  Because it is easier to understand and spot errors.
• How can a variable be watched in an IDE?

  Line-by-line to see how the value changes
• What is the role of a translator in programming?

  A translator changes a program written in one language into another language.
• What does the trace feature do in an IDE?

  Logs the values of variables and outputs as the code executes
• What is the difference between an interpreter and a compiler?

  An interpreter converts high-level language one line at a time, while a compiler converts the entire program at once.
• What information do error diagnostics and debugger tools provide?

  Information about an error, including the line and error type
• Why is an interpreter slower than a compiler?

  Because the interpreter must re-interpret the code each time the program is run.
• What is the function of compilers and interpreters?

  To convert source code into machine code for execution
• How does a compiler work?

  It converts the entire source code into executable machine code at once
• What is a key feature of compilers regarding execution speed?

  Compilers can produce more efficient code, making compiled programs run faster.
• What happens after a program is compiled?

  The program can be run again without recompiling each time
• How does error reporting differ between interpreters and compilers?

  Interpreters report errors immediately and stop execution, while compilers analyze the entire program and record errors in a file.
• How does an interpreter function?

  It converts source code into machine code line by line
• What is a disadvantage of using interpreters regarding program repetition?

  Interpreters must re-interpret the program every time it is run.
• What is a runtime environment?

  It allows a program to run on a computer system
• What must be done to compiled programs after changes are made?

  They must be re-compiled.
• What does a runtime environment check for?

  Runtime errors as the program is being executed