python section 1.1

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts of compilation vs interpretation, machine vs high-level languages, and Python basics as presented in the lecture notes.

Instruction List (EEL)

The complete set of known machine-language commands; the computer's alphabet used to give commands.

Machine language

The simplest, lowest-level language; commands are directly executed by the computer and it has no built-in intelligence.

Natural language

Human languages that develop naturally and evolve; not designed for computers.

High-level programming language

A language more complex than machine language, readable by humans, requiring translation to machine language.

Source code

A program written in a high-level programming language; the text of the program.

Source file

The file containing the source code; it must be pure text (no fonts, colors, images, or media).

Compiler

A tool that translates source code into machine language before execution; produces standalone machine code.

Interpreter

A tool that reads and executes source code directly, usually line by line, without a separate compilation step.

Compilation

The translation of a high-level language into machine language performed by a compiler; results in machine code.

Interpretation

The process of translating and running code by an interpreter without producing standalone machine code.

Compilation advantages

Faster execution of translated code; end users can run the code without the compiler; translated code is in machine language.

Compilation disadvantages

Can be time-consuming to compile; may require a separate compiler for each hardware platform.

Interpretation advantages

Code can be run immediately without a separate translation phase; code remains in high-level form and can be portable among machines with the interpreter.

Interpretation disadvantages

Slower execution since the interpreter shares CPU resources; both developer and end user must have the interpreter.

Python

An interpreted language that requires the Python interpreter to run; free to use; commonly described as a scripting language.

Scripting language

Languages designed to be interpreted; source programs are typically called scripts.