GCSE Computer Science (Edexcel)

Topic Summaries

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Programming languages

Translators

  • Computers can only understand machine code (binary), so programs written in high-level or assembly languages must be translated into machine code. 
  • The two main types of translators are compilers and interpreters. For example, Python uses an interpreter which is good for rapid development, whereas C# uses a compiler which is good for performance and deployment.
Feature Compiler Interpreter
Translation style Translates entire program before running Translates and runs line-by-line
Speed Faster after compilation Slower overall
Error detection Shows all errors at once Stops at the first error
File type produced Creates a separate executable file (.exe) Does not produce an executable
Examples C, C++ (compiled) Python, JavaScript (interpreted)
Memory usage Uses more memory initially Lower initial memory usage
When to use Good for large, finished programs Good for testing, debugging, development

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