IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1 Definitions Worksheet: 4.2 Programming Languages, Translators and IDEs (Modules 440–449)
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Key terms
Write what each term means, in your own words.
1
interpreter
2
line by line every run
3
compiler vs interpreter
4
interpreter for development, compiler for release
5
choose a translator
6
IDE
7
code editor
8
run-time environment
9
built-in translator
10
error diagnostics
Answer Key
IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1 · Modules 440–449 · Student wording will vary for definitions
1interpreter — Runs code line by line with no wait to compile, so unfinished programs can be tested at once. It stops at the faulty line, making errors easy to find. Source code runs on any machine with one.
2line by line every run — An interpreter translates the source code again on every run, so programs run slower and need the interpreter and source code each time. Only one error is shown at a time.
3compiler vs interpreter — A compiler translates the whole program into an executable before it runs; an interpreter translates and runs line by line, stopping at the first error, with no executable.
4interpreter for development, compiler for release — Use an interpreter while developing to test and fix code quickly, then compile the final program once into a fast executable to give users without the source code.
5choose a translator — Pick an assembler for assembly code, an interpreter while testing a program, or a compiler for release to customers, then justify your choice using 'because'.
6IDE — Integrated development environment: one program, such as IDLE, Thonny or Visual Studio, with the tools to write, run and test code. It is not a language or a translator.
7code editor — The part of an IDE where you type and edit source code. It shows line numbers and syntax highlighting (colour-coded keywords), which a plain text editor does not.
8run-time environment — An IDE feature that lets you run your program and see it work, including its input and output, without leaving the IDE. It has a run button, a console and can step through code.
9built-in translator — A compiler or interpreter built into an IDE, so the programmer can translate and run code from one button without needing separate translator software.
10error diagnostics — An IDE tool that finds errors in code and tells the programmer where they are and what kind they are, using line numbers, error messages, highlighting and debugging tools.