Oral Exam - Language Foundations - mini

Describe compiled languages

Translated into machine code by a compiler before running (e.g., C++). Fast, platform-specific

Describe interpreted languages

Executed line-by-line by an interpreter (e.g., Python). Slower, portable.

Compare and contrast compiled and interpreted languages

Compiled = faster, must compile first. Interpreted = slower, runs instantly

Compare and contrast input and output

Input brings data into a program; output sends data from the program to a user or file

Describe strong typing

Type safety enforced; conversions must be explicit (e.g., C++, Java)

Describe weak typing

Implicit type conversions allowed (e.g., JavaScript)

Compare and contrast strong and weak typing

Strong typing = safer; Weak typing = flexible but error-prone

Why, in a professional setting, should we not place "using namespace std;" in our code files?

Can cause naming conflicts in large projects; better to use std:: prefix