← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Disadvantages of a compiler

A compiler must translate the whole program without errors before any of it runs, and its executable only works on one machine type, so testing small changes is slow.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 4.2 Programming Languages, Translators and IDEs — Module 21

Understanding Disadvantages of a compiler in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: The compiler only produces an executable if the translation has no errors, so a single error stops everything from running. Compiled machine code is made for one type of processor and operating system, so it will not run on a different type of machine. A compiler translates the whole program first. Errors must be cleared before any part of it runs. Recompiling the whole program after each small change makes testing slower. Running without the compiler is an advantage. Having to recompile for each machine type is a disadvantage.

Common mistakes: The old executable does not contain the change. With a compiler the whole program must be recompiled, then the new executable is run to test the change. A compiler must translate the whole program without errors. If there is an error, no executable is made and no part of the program can run.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 430–439) and word search (Modules 419–439).

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Learning
Duo
A programmer has 200 lines of code with one syntax error on line 150. What happens when they compile it?
No executable is produced, so none of the program can be run until the error is fixedLines 1 to 149 run and the compiler stops at line 150
Matches
Line 5 is correct, so a compiler will run lines 1 to 5 and stop at the error on line 6
↓
A compiler does not run any part of the program if there are errors. It translates the whole program first, and nothing runs until all errors are removed.
Applying
Meanings
Term
compiler disadvantages
Meaning
A compiler must translate the whole program without errors before any of it runs, and its executable only works on one machine type, so testing small changes is slow.
Practice
REPEAT
Testing
Gaps
compiled ← (sourceCode)
Check Answer
Spots
3wait for translation to end
4run the old executable

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Quick Questions

1. A programmer has 200 lines of code with one syntax error on line 150. What happens when they compile it?
A. No executable is produced, so none of the program can be run until the error is fixed ✓
B. Lines 1 to 149 run and the compiler stops at line 150
A compiler translates the whole program first. Errors must be cleared before any part of it runs.
2. Which is a disadvantage of using a compiler while developing a program?
A. After every small change, the whole program must be recompiled before testing ✓
B. Only the changed line needs to be translated, which makes testing confusing
Recompiling the whole program after each small change makes testing slower.
3. A student compiles a program on a Windows PC. Which statement is correct?
A. The executable file will work on every type of computer without changes
B. The executable file may not work on a different type of machine, such as a Mac ✓
The executable is machine dependent. It only runs on the type of machine it was compiled for.
4. Which statement about testing part of a program with a compiler is true?
A. You can run one finished section while other sections still contain errors
B. You cannot test one section until the whole program compiles without errors ✓
A compiler cannot run any part of the program until all the code has been translated without errors.
5. Which is a DISADVANTAGE of a compiler?
A. The program must be recompiled for each different type of machine ✓
B. The executable runs without the compiler being needed
Running without the compiler is an advantage. Having to recompile for each machine type is a disadvantage.

Match the Pairs

compile(whole_program) -> 3 errors, no executable → The compiler stops and produces no executable, so no part of the program can run until every error is fixed
change 1 line -> recompile everything -> run → Testing even a small change is slow because the whole program has to be translated again before it can be tried
Errors must be cleared before any part of the program will run → IF errors_found THEN no_executable ELSE run
An executable is machine dependent and only works on one type of machine → prog_windows.exe on Mac -> fails to run
Line 5 is correct, so a compiler will run lines 1 to 5 and stop at the error on line 6 → A compiler does not run any part of the program if there are errors. It translates the whole program first, and nothing runs until all errors are removed.
Compiled once on a PC, so the same executable will run on any phone, tablet or Mac → The executable is machine dependent. It only works on the type of machine it was compiled for, so it must be recompiled for each different machine type.

Key Term

compiler disadvantages
A compiler must translate the whole program without errors before any of it runs, and its executable only works on one machine type, so testing small changes is slow.

Fill in the Blanks

1. compiled ← compile(sourceCode)
Hint: Type the function name that translates the whole program in one go before anything can run.
2. IF errorCount > 0 THEN OUTPUT "Fix errors first" ENDIF
Hint: Type the comparison operator that checks whether any errors are left, which would stop the program running.
3. IF machineType = targetType THEN run(executable) ENDIF
Hint: Type the name of the translated file that only works on one type of machine.
4. edit(line5) compile(program) run(program)
Hint: Type the slow step that must be repeated for the whole program after even a small change.
5. IF errorCount = 0 THEN run(executable) ENDIF
Hint: Type the number of errors allowed before any part of the program can run.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A edit one line of the code
B compile the whole program
C wait for translation to end
D run the old executable
Line D — The old executable does not contain the change. With a compiler the whole program must be recompiled, then the new executable is run to test the change.
Question 2
A compile game.c
B error found on line 12
C partial executable is made
Line C — A compiler must translate the whole program without errors. If there is an error, no executable is made and no part of the program can run.
Question 3
A compile one line at a time
B fix every error reported
C run the executable
Line A — A compiler translates the whole program before anything runs. Translating one line at a time is how an interpreter works.
Question 4
A built on a Windows PC
B exe is machine independent
C it will not run on a Mac
Line B — A compiled executable only works on the type of machine it was compiled for, so it is machine dependent, not independent.
Question 5
A change one number in code
B recompile the whole program
C testing small changes is fast
Line C — Even a tiny change means recompiling the whole program before it can be tested, so testing small changes is slow, not fast.

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