Week 2- Languages Flashcards
Why is machine language important?
Human programmers view machine language instructions as unwieldy binary
codes that are difficult to write and understand.
SO
Human programmers would prefer to develop computer programs in an
‘easier’ language than machine language.
What is meant by the source-code version of a computer program?
Version of program written by a human in a non-machine language.
What is meant by the executable version of a computer program?
Machine language (executable) version of program after it has been translated from the source-code version.
What are the two common techniques used to translate source code programs into executable programs?
Interpreting & Compiling
What is the outcome when a source code program is translated using a compiler?
When a source code program is interpreted, it is translated into machine language and immediately executed. There is no permanent copy of the executable version of the program. Each time a user wants to run the
program it must be interpreted (translated) again.
What is the outcome when a source code program is translated using an interpreter?
When a source code program is compiled, it is translated into a separate machine language (executable) version that can be stored as a file ready for use. There is a permanent copy of the executable version of the program.
What is an operation code? (op code)
specifies the exact type of instruction.
What is an operand?
specify the type of value that the instruction is to manipulate.
What is an assembly language?
These are ‘human oriented’ versions of machine languages. They are easier
to use than machine languages but each individual machine language
instruction needs to be constructed in the assembly language.
What is a high level language?
These are ‘human oriented’ languages. They are much easier to use than machine languages.
