1.2.2 Application Generation

• What are the two categories of software?

  Applications software and systems software
• What is the primary purpose of applications software?

  To perform one specific task for the user
• What is required for applications software to run?

  Systems software
• What is the role of systems software?

  To run the computer system smoothly
• What type of software does the user not directly interact with?

  Systems software
• How does systems software benefit the user?

  It ensures high performance for the user
• What are the functions of utility programs in systems software?

  • Ensure consistent, high performance of the OS
  • Perform specific maintenance tasks
• What is the function of compression utilities?

  To compress and decompress files
• Why is disk defragmentation important?

  It improves read/write times by rearranging files
• What does antivirus software do?

  Detects and removes potential threats
• How does automatic updating benefit the operating system?

  It keeps the system updated against vulnerabilities
• What is the purpose of the backup utility?

  To create routine copies of selected files
• What does open source software allow users to do?

  Use and modify the source code freely
• What is a key characteristic of closed source software?

  Source code is not accessible to users
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of open source software?

  Advantages:

  • Can be modified and improved
  • Regular updates from the community
  • No licensing fees

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Insufficient support may be available
  • No user manuals provided
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of closed source software?

  Advantages:

  • Expert support from the company
  • High levels of security

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • License restrictions on usage
  • Users cannot modify the software
• What factors should a user consider when choosing software?

  Costs and functionality of the software
• What is the role of a translator in programming?

  To convert high-level code into low-level code
• What are the three types of translators?

  1. Compiler
  2. Interpreter
  3. Assembler
• How does a compiler work?

  It translates high-level code into machine code all at once
• What is a disadvantage of using a compiler?

  Changes require recompilation of the entire program
• What is the function of an interpreter?

  It translates and executes code line-by-line
• Why might interpreters be useful for testing code?

  They allow for immediate execution and error detection
• What is assembly code?

  Low-level language next to machine code
• How do assemblers function?

  They translate assembly code into machine code
• What are the four stages of compilation?

  1. Lexical Analysis
  2. Syntax Analysis
  3. Code Generation
  4. Optimisation
• What happens during lexical analysis?

  Whitespace and comments are removed from the code
• What is the purpose of syntax analysis?

  To check tokens against programming language rules
• What is produced during syntax analysis?

  An abstract syntax tree
• What does semantic analysis detect?

  Logic mistakes within the program
• What is the goal of code generation?

  To produce machine code from the abstract syntax tree
• What is the purpose of the optimization stage?

  To make the code faster to execute
• What are linkers responsible for?

  Linking external modules and libraries in code
• What is the difference between static and dynamic linking?

  Static adds modules directly; dynamic references them
• What do loaders do?

  Retrieve libraries or subroutines from memory
• What are libraries in programming?

  Pre-compiled programs for reuse in other programs
• How do libraries benefit programmers?

  They save time and effort in development
• What types of functions do popular libraries provide?

  Mathematical and graphical functions