1.2.2 Applications Generation

Question 1

What are the two main categories of software?

Answer 1

Applications software and systems software.

Question 2

What is applications software designed to do?

Answer 2

It is designed to perform specific tasks for the end-user.

Question 3

Why does applications software require systems software?

Answer 3

Because systems software provides the platform and resources for it to run.

Question 4

Give examples of applications software.

Answer 4

Word processors, spreadsheets, desktop publishing software, web browsers.

Question 5

What is systems software responsible for?

Answer 5

Running the computer system, interacting with hardware, and providing a platform for applications software.

Question 6

Do users directly interact with systems software?

Answer 6

No, it runs in the background to ensure system performance.

Question 7

Give examples of systems software.

Answer 7

Operating systems, utility programs, library programs, device drivers.

Question 8

What are utility programs?

Answer 8

Small pieces of system software that help maintain or enhance the operating system’s performance.

Question 9

What does a compression utility do?

Answer 9

Compresses and decompresses files, useful for transferring large files over the internet.

Question 10

Why is disk defragmentation useful?

Answer 10

It rearranges fragmented files to improve access speed and overall system performance.

Question 11

What is the purpose of antivirus software?

Answer 11

To detect, alert, and remove threats such as viruses and malware.

Question 12

What does automatic updating do?

Answer 12

Keeps the system up to date by automatically installing updates on restart to fix bugs and security flaws.

Question 13

What is the function of a backup utility?

Answer 13

Automatically makes copies of selected files at user-defined intervals for recovery in case of failure or attack.

Question 14

What is open source software?

Answer 14

Software that is free to use and modify, with source code publicly available.

Question 15

What is closed source software?

Answer 15

Software with restricted access to source code; a license is needed to use it.

Question 16

What are the advantages of open source software?

Answer 16

Free, modifiable, strong community support, and can be redistributed.

Question 17

What are the disadvantages of open source software?

Answer 17

Support may be unreliable, fewer manuals, and potential security issues.

Question 18

What are the advantages of closed source software?

Answer 18

Official support, regular updates, higher security due to professional development.

Question 19

What are the disadvantages of closed source software?

Answer 19

Costly, license-limited, not modifiable by users.

Question 20

What factors should be considered when choosing between open and closed source?

Answer 20

Cost, functionality, support, ease of use, security.

Question 21

What is the role of a translator in programming?

Answer 21

To convert high-level source code into low-level object or machine code.

Question 22

What does a compiler do?

Answer 22

Translates whole programs into machine code at once and reports all errors at the end.

Question 23

What is a key advantage of compiled code?

Answer 23

It runs without a translator and is usually faster.

Question 24

What is a disadvantage of compiled code?

Answer 24

It must be recompiled after any change and is processor-specific.

Question 25

How does an interpreter work?

Answer 25

It translates and executes code line-by-line, stopping on errors.

Question 26

When is an interpreter useful?

Answer 26

For testing and debugging sections of code quickly.

Question 27

What is a disadvantage of using an interpreter?

Answer 27

Slower execution since code must be translated every time it runs.

Question 28

What is assembly code?

Answer 28

A low-level language closer to machine code, platform-specific.

Question 29

What does an assembler do?

Answer 29

Converts assembly code into machine code on a one-to-one instruction basis.

Question 30

What is the first stage of compilation?

Answer 30

Lexical analysis: removes whitespace/comments, creates tokens, builds symbol table.

Question 31

What is the second stage of compilation?

Answer 31

Syntax analysis: checks code against language rules, builds abstract syntax tree, flags syntax errors.

Question 32

What is semantic analysis in compilation?

Answer 32

Detects logic-related errors like multiple declarations or undeclared identifiers.

Question 33

What is code generation in compilation?

Answer 33

Transforms the syntax tree into machine/object code.

Question 34

What is code optimisation?

Answer 34

Improves the code’s efficiency by removing redundancies and enhancing performance.

Question 35

What is a linker?

Answer 35

Software that connects compiled code to external libraries and modules.

Question 36

What are the two types of linkers?

Answer 36

Static (includes libraries in the file) and dynamic (links at runtime using addresses).

Question 37

What is a loader?

Answer 37

Part of the OS that loads the program and its components into memory for execution.

Question 38

What is a library in programming?

Answer 38

A pre-compiled set of reusable code that performs common tasks like graphics or maths.

Question 39

What are the advantages of using libraries?

Answer 39

Saves time, reduces errors, and leverages expert-written functions.