Programming langauge and IDE's

What is a high-level programming language?

A language that is closer to human language — easy to read and write — needs to be translated into machine code — eg Python Java C# — more portable and easier to debug

What is a low-level programming language?

A language closer to machine code — harder to read and write — closely tied to the hardware — includes assembly language and machine code — faster and more efficient but harder to program

What are the differences between high-level and low-level languages?

High-level — easy to read — portable — needs translating — slower execution. Low-level — hard to read — hardware specific — faster execution — gives more direct control over hardware

What is a translator?

Software that converts code written in one language into machine code that the computer can execute — needed because computers only understand binary machine code

What is a compiler?

A translator that converts the entire high-level source code into machine code in one go — produces a standalone executable file — the original source code is not needed to run the program

What is an interpreter?

A translator that converts and executes high-level source code one line at a time — does not produce a standalone file — source code is needed every time the program runs

What are the advantages of a compiler?

Faster execution once compiled — source code is hidden in the executable — program can run without the original source code or translator

What are the disadvantages of a compiler?

Errors are only reported after the whole program is compiled — harder to debug — compilation takes time — compiled code may not be portable across different hardware

What are the advantages of an interpreter?

Easier to debug — errors are reported line by line as they occur — useful during development — more portable across platforms

What are the disadvantages of an interpreter?

Slower execution because translation happens every time the program runs — source code must be present to run the program — less secure as source code is exposed

What is an IDE?

Integrated Development Environment — software that provides tools to help programmers write test and debug programs — all tools available in one place

What editor tools does an IDE provide?

A text editor with features like syntax highlighting — auto-completion — auto-indentation — bracket matching — makes writing code faster and reduces errors

What are error diagnostics in an IDE?

Tools that identify and highlight errors in code — syntax errors are underlined or highlighted as you type — error messages explain what went wrong and where

What is a run-time environment in an IDE?

Allows the programmer to run and test their program directly within the IDE — no need for separate software — can observe the program executing

What translator tools does an IDE provide?

Built-in compiler or interpreter — allows the programmer to translate and run their code without leaving the IDE — may allow switching between interpreter and compiler mode

How does an IDE help a programmer produce better code?

Syntax highlighting makes code readable — auto-completion speeds up writing — error diagnostics catch mistakes early — run-time environment allows immediate testing — all tools in one place reduces context switching