programming languages Flashcards
what is machine code
Every processor action is represented by a binary number/code that is
part of an instruction set – a list of actions a processor can perform
how are machine code and assembly language similar
Assembly language is similar to machine code – one line of assembly language generally produces one instruction of machine code.
advantages of low level languages
Easier on the computer than a high-level language:
✓ Shortermachinecode ✓ Quickerruntime
✓ Moreefficientuseof
processor & memory
✓ Maximum possible access by programmer to every instruction in the set
disadvantages of low level languages
Harder on the (Human) developer than a high-level language:
Commandsareshortcodes, difficulttounderstand
Dataisstoredbyusingnumbered locations rather than variables
No simple support for iteration (loops) and conditions
May only work with instruction set of one processor
what are high level languages
Language similar to human language, designed for ease of programming.
Allows use of data structures, loops, functions.
advantages of high level languages
Easier on the programmer than low- level languages:
Morereadablecode–layout, identifiers, comments
Structuredcodewith subroutines and shared modules
Supportiterationand conditions
Can name and use variables, data structures rather than referring to computer memory location
disadvantages of high level languages
Harder on the computer than low- level languages:
Moretimerequiredto translate to machine code
Generatesmoremachinecode than low-level languages – added processing burden
Lowcodingefficiency–may generate a lot of machine code to implement a simple command
define translation
Process of converting source code to machine code
define translator
System software that performs translation.
types of translators
Assembler, Compiler and Interpreter
