Thonny Functions

Thonny Functions

1. There are three different translators :

   • An assembler is a program which converts low level assembly programming into machine code
   • An interpreter is a program which converts code one line at a time into machine code and executes it
   • And a compiler is a program that converts high level language into machine code to then be executed (this process converts the entire code at once)

2. IDE Features of Thonny

   • Editor - all IDEs have an editor, the part where you type the code
   • Automatic Formatting, identifying (per say) after an if statement, similar to thonny
   • Automatic line numbering... numbers the lines
   • Automatic colour coding, highlights or colors specific important words or phrases in the code, making it easy to indentify different statements
   • Linker / Loader, Many IDEs will include the facility to load multiple source files and link them together
   • Libraries are collections of pre-made routines that can be used by programmers, many IDEs provide a way to install and manage third party libraries
   • Routines / subroutines, good programs take functionality and move them to separate functions or subroutines
   • Standard functions, all programs have this built in, they dont require any third party libraries or being imported, this includes print, int or input
   • Debugger, if your code contains a logic error, this is hard to locate, with a debugger, there is a way to help with that, it goes through the code line-by-line allowing the programmer to view how the code executes
   • Syntax Error Detection, Some IDEs will highlight syntax errors in real time, using red wavey lines (like in Word)
   • Error Diagnostics, When the compiler throws a syntax error, IDEs will help deal with this error by highlighting the code that caused it. If a runtime error occurs, then the IDE can trace the source of this error. Some IDEs will offer support with the error.
   • Tracing, another debugging tool is tracing, tracing creates a log of whats happening whilst the program is running
   • Break-points are used in conjunction with the other debugging tools. A break point is inserted at a particular point in the code. When this code is reached, the execution pauses, and the programmer can inspect the contents of variables to see if they are as expected.
   • Variable watch will show the real time contents of every variable used by the program It is particularly useful when used in conjunction with a debugger and breakpoints
   • Memory Inspector This allows the programmer to view the contents of memory locations as the program runs, to help spot errors.
   • Statement Completion Thonny offers a basic version of this, showing available functions when you press ctrl-space A more advanced IDE, such as Eclipse will suggest entire statements, including arguments