4.2

What is a low level language

Close to the language processed by computers

May use mnemonics

What is a high level language

Uses English like statements to allow users to program with easy to use code

Translated into machine code for the computer tp be able to execute it

Examples of low level languages

Machine code

Assembly code

Example of high level languages

Python

Java

C++

Advantages of low level languages

Can directly manipulate the hardware

Memory efficient

Quicker to execute

Can use specialized hardware

Advantages of high level languages

Closer to English

Easier and faster to correct errors, read or write

Works on many different machines and operating systems so portable

Assembly language

Low level language which uses mnemonics

What is used to transfer assembly language to machine code

Assembler

What does a compiler do?

Translates the whole code at once before executing it.

Provides an error report for the whole code if errors are detected before running any of the code

Errors require correction before execution can take place

Produces an executable file

Interpreter

Translates and executes the code line by line

Stops execution when an error is found

When error is corrected, the program can be run from the same position so allows error correction in real time

When is an interpreter mostly used?

Developing a program

When is a compiler mostly used?

Translate the final program

Advantages of interpreters

Real time debugging when error is found

Does not need to retranslate all the code again

Can test sections of the code

Can test without all the program code being functional accurate or complete

Advantages of compiler

Faster to execute

Optimizes the code

Original source code not seen

Common function provided by IDE

Code editor

Runtime editor

Translator

Error diagnostics

Auto completion

Auto correction

Pretty print

Describe how IDEs provide a code editor?

Allows user to enter and amend code in their program

Describe how IDEs provide a run time environment?

Allows program to be run and see the outputs of the program

Describe how IDEs provide error diagnostics?

Shows programmer where there are errors in the program

Describe how IDEs provide auto completion

Give users options / suggestions of key commands to select

Describe how IDEs provide auto correction

Correct a command with minor misspelling

Describe how IDEs provide pretty print

Changes colour of key commands so they are easy to identify

Role of IDEs

Software designed to make writing high level languages more efficient

Describe how IDEs provide a translator

Compile or interpret code without need for extra software