Integrated Development Environment

Integrated Development Environment

1. Translator

   • Definition - Converts from one programming language to another, e.g. high level to low level
     • High level code
       • A complex code that is easier for humans to understand e.g python
     • Low level code
       • A code that is easier for computers to understand e.g. machine code
     • Assembler
       • Is used for assembly code and uses mnemonics to translate from assembly code to machine code and vice versa
     • Interpreter
       • Translates from high level code to low level code and vice versa. It allows you to correct mistakes in the code whilst it is running, however it is quite slow as it goes through each line one at a time.
     • Compiler
       • Translates from high level code to low level code and vice versa. It is fast as it translates all the lines at once, however it has a long preparation time and cannot allow you to correct mistakes whilst the program is running.

2. Debugger

   • Highlights the parts of the code that have a syntax error (a grammatical or spelling error)
   • It could suggest the type of error so you can correct it

3. Source Code Editor

   • Bracket matching - uses brackets to mark out blocks of code
   • Allows you to highlight specific areas of your code to colour code

4. Run time environment

   • Allows you to test your code out to see if it works
   • Allows you to run the code in a different device format than the one you are working in, e.g. if you are working on a computer, you can see what it would look like on a phone

5. Auto Documentation

   • Explains the function and purpose of the code by tracking variables that are being used
   • Collates the information into a text file so that developers can see the purpose