Integrated Development Environment

Integrated Development Environment

1. Translators

   • A translator is a programming language processor that converts a computer program from one language to another
   • Types of Translators
     • Compilers are used to translate a program written in a high-level language into machine code (object code). Once compiled (all in one go), the translated program file can then be directly used by the computer and is independently executable. Compiling may take some time but the translated program can be used again and again without the need for recompilation. An error report is often produced after the full program has been translated. Errors in the program code may cause a computer to crash. These errors can only be fixed by changing the original source code and compiling the program again.
     • Interpreter programs are able to read, translate and execute one statement at a time from a high-level language program. The interpreter stops when a line of code is reached that contains an error. Interpreters are often used during the development of a program. They make debugging easier as each line of code is analysed and checked before execution. Interpreted programs will launch immediately, but your program may run slower then a complied file. No executable file is produced. The program is interpreted again from scratch every time you launch it.
     • Assemblers are used to translate a program written in a low-level assembly language into a machine code (object code) file so it can be used and executed by the computer. Once assembled, the program file can be used again and again without re-assembly.

2. Code

   • High Level
     • A programming language that is easily understood by humans
   • Low Level
     • A programming code that is very close to CPU instructions so it is easily understood by computers

3. IDE

   • An integrated development environment (IDE) is a software application that provides comprehensive facilities to computer programmers for software development. An IDE normally consists of at least a source code editor, build automation tools and a debugger.
   • Tools
     • Translator. This compiles or interprets the code.
     • Auto documentation. This explains the function and purpose of the code, eg by noting the modules and variables used, and its expected behaviour, and collates this into a text file that can be used by other developers to understand how and why the code was created.
     • Libraries. These provide functions that are not included in the core part of the programming language. These functions can be imported and used at the start of the program code. For example, in Python the Turtle Graphics library provides access to some simple drawing and graphics tools.
     • Build automation. These tools save time by automatically doing the processes that would otherwise be done by hand. These could include testing or compiling. These tools are extremely useful when a program has many thousands of lines of code. They improve the quality of the software, minimising bad software builds as well as saving time and money.
     • Debugger. This is a program within the IDE that is used to detect errors. If the debugger detects errors, it may suggest what the type of error is and what line it is on.