← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Writing exam answers about languages, translators and IDEs

A full-mark answer states a point with the correct term, then links it to a reason, e.g. a compiler runs faster because the whole program is already translated.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 4.2 Programming Languages, Translators and IDEs — Module 36

Understanding Writing exam answers about languages, translators and IDEs in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: The function (auto-completion) is named and then linked to its purpose, which is what earns the mark. The advantage is linked to a reason with 'because': the interpreter runs line by line, so errors are found at once. Name the term, state the advantage and link it to a reason. Vague words like 'better' or 'useful' gain no marks. Creating an executable file is what a compiler does. Saying an interpreter makes one is a common exam mistake. An assembler works on low-level assembly language and produces machine code. Compilers and interpreters translate high-level code. A full-mark answer gives a specific reason, such as line-by-line error reporting, not just 'quick'.

Common mistakes: A compiler runs faster because the whole program has already been translated. Reading line by line describes an interpreter. The line should say 'because all code is already'. An interpreter does not make an executable file. It translates and runs line by line, so it stops at the error and the fault can be fixed. The line should say 'so the fault can be fixed.'.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 450–463) and word search (Modules 440–463).

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Learning
Duo
Which answer earns the mark for the advantage of a compiler?
A compiler gives faster execution because the whole program is already translated into an executable file.A compiler is better because it is more useful.
Matches
An interpreter creates an executable file so it runs faster
↓
A compiler creates the executable file, not an interpreter. An interpreter translates and runs line by line without making one.
Applying
Meanings
Term
point because reason
Meaning
A full-mark answer states a point with the correct term, then links it to a reason, e.g. a compiler runs faster because the whole program is already translated.
Practice
A compiler runs faster because the whole program is already translated.
Testing
Gaps
A compiler runs faster the whole
Check Answer
Spots
1Compiler programs run faster
2because it reads line by line

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Quick Questions

1. Which answer earns the mark for the advantage of a compiler?
A. A compiler gives faster execution because the whole program is already translated into an executable file. ✓
B. A compiler is better because it is more useful.
Name the term, state the advantage and link it to a reason. Vague words like 'better' or 'useful' gain no marks.
2. Which statement about an interpreter is correct?
A. An interpreter translates the whole program and creates an executable file.
B. An interpreter translates and runs one line at a time, so it does not create an executable file. ✓
Creating an executable file is what a compiler does. Saying an interpreter makes one is a common exam mistake.
3. Which answer correctly describes the role of an assembler?
A. An assembler translates high-level code into assembly language.
B. An assembler translates assembly language into machine code. ✓
An assembler works on low-level assembly language and produces machine code. Compilers and interpreters translate high-level code.
4. Which sentence uses the correct term?
A. Assembly language uses mnemonics, and it must be assembled into machine code. ✓
B. Assembly language is machine code because it uses mnemonics.
Machine code is binary. Assembly uses mnemonics and needs an assembler to translate it. Do not say they are the same.
5. Which answer links an interpreter's advantage to a reason?
A. An interpreter is useful when developing because errors are reported line by line as the code runs. ✓
B. An interpreter is useful when developing because it is quick.
A full-mark answer gives a specific reason, such as line-by-line error reporting, not just 'quick'.

Match the Pairs

A compiler runs faster because the whole program is already translated → A full-mark comparison: it gives the correct term, a point and a linked reason using 'because'
An assembler translates assembly language into machine code → A full-mark description of an assembler's role: it names the correct input and output
Describing an IDE function with its purpose, so the point is linked to a reason → Auto-completion suggests code as you type, which saves time and reduces typing errors
Explaining why an interpreter suits development by linking the point to a reason → An interpreter is useful when testing because it stops at an error and shows the line
An interpreter creates an executable file so it runs faster → A compiler creates the executable file, not an interpreter. An interpreter translates and runs line by line without making one.
Assembly language is machine code because it uses binary → Assembly language uses mnemonics, not binary. Machine code is the binary, and an assembler is needed to translate assembly into it.

Key Term

point because reason
A full-mark answer states a point with the correct term, then links it to a reason, e.g. a compiler runs faster because the whole program is already translated.

Fill in the Blanks

1. A compiler runs faster because the whole program is already translated.
Hint: Type the linking word that introduces the reason for the point.
2. An interpreter translates line by line so it stops at the first error.
Hint: Type the translator that works through the program one line at a time.
3. An assembler translates assembly language into machine code.
Hint: Type the name of the translator used for assembly language.
4. A compiler produces an executable file, but an interpreter does not.
Hint: Type the kind of file that only a compiler creates.
5. Prettyprint colours and indents code so it is easier to read.
Hint: Type the name of the IDE function that formats and colours code.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Compiler programs run faster
B because it reads line by line
C translated to machine code.
Line B — A compiler runs faster because the whole program has already been translated. Reading line by line describes an interpreter. The line should say 'because all code is already'.
Question 2
A An interpreter is useful
B when developing a program
C because it stops at an error
D so an executable file is made.
Line D — An interpreter does not make an executable file. It translates and runs line by line, so it stops at the error and the fault can be fixed. The line should say 'so the fault can be fixed.'
Question 3
A An assembler translates
B high-level code into
C machine code.
Line B — An assembler translates assembly language, which is low-level, into machine code. It does not translate high-level code. A compiler or interpreter does that.
Question 4
A Auto-completion runs the code
B as the user types, which
C reduces typing mistakes.
Line A — Auto-completion suggests code as the user types. Running code is the job of the run-time environment. The line should say 'Auto-completion suggests code'.
Question 5
A Compiler disadvantage:
B the whole program must be
C compiled again after a change
D so testing is much quicker.
Line D — The reason given must fit the point. Compiling the whole program again after every change makes testing slower, not quicker. The line should say 'so testing takes longer.'

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