IDE & Translators

IDE & Translators

1. High/low level code

   • High level languages
     • One instruction of high level code represents many instruction of machine code
     • Can easily store data
     • Code is easy to read, understand and modify
     • Must be translated into machine code
     • Less control so slower and memory loss
   • Low level languages
     • One instruction of assembly code represents one instruction of machine code
     • Programmer needs to know about the internal structure of the CPU
     • Hard to read, understand and modify
     • Commands can be executed directly
     • You control what the CPU does (more efficient and faster)

2. Interpreter/ Compiler

   • Interpreter
     • Translates and runs the source code one instruction at a time
     • Needed every time
     • Will return the first error found
     • Programs run slower
   • Compiler
     • Translates all source code at once
     • Only needed once
     • Returns a list of errors at the end
     • The programs quickly
   • IDE main features
     • Translator
       • Translate the source code into machine code
     • Run-time environment
       • Allows the code to be run quickly within the IDE
       • Helps identify logic errors in the program
     • Error diagnostics
       • Help to find and fix errors in a program.
       • They tell you the location of the error
     • Editor
       • Its where the code is written
       • Line numbering, colour coding
       • Auto indentation, auto complete and auto correct