Languages & Translators

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

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

  They resemble natural human languages for ease
• What is a benefit of using high-level languages compared to low-level languages?

  They lead to fewer errors and complex commands
• What must high-level languages be translated into before execution?

  Machine code (binary)
• When are low-level languages typically used?

  When programs must execute quickly or interact with hardware
• What is machine code?

  Pure binary code that computers can execute
• Why is machine code difficult for humans to understand?

  It is extremely tedious and complex
• What is an advantage of using machine code?

  It executes faster than high-level programs
• What does assembly language use to perform actions?

  Specialized command mnemonics
• Why do many programmers prefer assembly language over machine code?

  It is easier to understand and spot errors
• What is the role of a translator in programming?

  To change a program from one language to another
• What is the difference between an interpreter and a compiler?

  An interpreter translates one line at a time
• How does an interpreter execute code?

  It converts high-level code into machine code line by line
• Why is an interpreter slower than a compiler?

  It must reinterpret code each time the program runs
• What is a key feature of compilers?

  They produce an executable file for later use
• What happens to the code after compilation?

  It can run on other machines without recompilation
• What is the error reporting method of a compiler?

  It analyzes the entire program and records errors
• Compare the execution method of interpreters and compilers.

  Interpreters translate line by line; compilers all at once
• What are the key differences between interpreters and compilers?

  • Execution Method:
  • Interpreter: Line by line
  • Compiler: All at once
  • Execution Speed:
  • Interpreter: Slower
  • Compiler: Faster
  • Complexity:
  • Interpreter: Smaller, simpler
  • Compiler: Larger, complex
  • Error Reporting:
  • Interpreter: Immediate reporting
  • Compiler: Reports after analysis
  • Repetition:
  • Interpreter: Requires re-interpretation
  • Compiler: Compiled once, recompiled after changes
• What is the specification code for the OCR exam board mentioned?

  J277
• What is the section title that includes Assembly Language?

  1. 1: Languages & Translators
• What is the purpose of the Assembly Language section in the programming tab?

  To list mnemonics like INP, OUT, HLT
• What is a benefit of using assembly language instead of machine code?

  It is easier to understand and debug
• What is a benefit of using assembly language instead of high-level language?

  It is faster to execute than high-level languages
• Compare high-level and low-level languages in terms of ease of understanding.

  High-level languages are easier to understand
• Which type of language requires translation before execution?

  High-level languages require translation
• Which type of language is quicker to execute?

  Low-level languages are quicker to execute