71. AQA GCSE (8525) SLR12 – 3.4 Assemblers, compilers & interpre

What does an assembler translate?

• Machine code into high-level language

• Assembly language into machine code

• High-level language into machine code

• Machine code into assembly language

Answer explanation

An assembler translates assembly language into machine code, making the correct answer choice 'Assembly language into machine code'.

What is replaced with memory addresses by an assembler?

• Classes

• Functions

• Comments

• Variables and labels

Answer explanation

An assembler replaces variables and labels with memory addresses during the assembly process, allowing the program to access the correct memory locations.

What does a compiler do before executing a program?

• Translates the entire program into machine code

• Optimizes the code for different processors

• Executes the program to find runtime errors

• Translates each line of code individually

Answer explanation

A compiler translates the entire program into machine code before executing it, making it the correct choice.

What happens if there is a syntax error in the code when using a compiler?

• The program partially executes up to the error

• The program runs with warnings

• The error is automatically corrected

• The program will not run until the error is corrected

Answer explanation

The program will not run until the error is corrected

What is a key difference between compilers and interpreters regarding execution?

• Compilers execute the program line by line

• Interpreters compile the entire program before execution

• Compilers require the entire program to be error-free before execution

• Interpreters optimize the code before execution

Answer explanation

The key difference is that compilers require the entire program to be error-free before execution, while interpreters do not have this requirement.

What is an advantage of using a compiler over an interpreter?

• Faster execution speed

• No need to recompile for each run

• Easier to debug

• Easier for beginners to learn

Answer explanation

Using a compiler results in faster execution speed compared to an interpreter, making it an advantage.

What is a disadvantage of using an interpreter?

• Requires a specific processor

• Cannot handle syntax errors

• Does not keep the source code secret

• Slower execution speed

Answer explanation

The disadvantage of using an interpreter is slower execution speed compared to compiled languages.

What does an interpreter do with syntax errors?

• Corrects them automatically

• Ignores them and continues execution

• Logs them for review after execution

• Stops execution and reports them

Answer explanation

An interpreter stops execution and reports syntax errors, ensuring they are addressed before continuing with the program.

Why might assembly language be considered difficult to write in?

• It has limited and hard to understand commands

• It is too high-level

• It has a vast number of commands

• It is too similar to machine code

Answer explanation

Assembly language is considered difficult to write in because it has limited and hard to understand commands, making it challenging for programmers to work with.

What must be done to assembly code if it is changed?

• It must be compiled into high-level language

• It must be reassembled

• It must be interpreted again

• It must be optimized for different processors

Answer explanation

To update assembly code, it must be reassembled to generate the corresponding machine code for the changes made.