Compiler Fundamentals

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What is the primary function of a compiler?

To interpret the intent of a program

To write the program instructions and data

To transform program instructions into bits and bytes (correct)

To provide nuance to hardware instructions

What is the main difference between programming languages and human languages?

Human languages are used for casual conversations

Human languages are more common

Programming languages are used for formal reports

Programming languages require more precision (correct)

What is the ultimate interpreter of a computer program?

The compiler

The programming language

The hardware (correct)

The programmer

How many programming languages are there?

Over 2500 Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of third, fourth, and fifth generation programming languages?

They are high-level languages with no direct connection to machine language Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of writing a program in a programming language?

To provide instructions that the hardware can execute Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between programming and writing a formal report?

Programming is a more arduous task Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a compiler in the programming process?

To transform the program instructions into machine-readable code Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of high-level languages?

They are more human-like Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the C language?

To convert programs into binary instructions that hardware can execute Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the operating system after loading the executable code into RAM?

It transfers control to the program's entry point. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if we change the identifier 'printf' to 'PRINTF' and recompile?

The compiler will report a syntax error. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the last statement 'return 0;' in the program?

It transfers control back to the operating system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the pair of braces that follow the 'main' clause?

They include the program instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of changing 'This is C' to 'THIS IS C' in the program?

The compiler accepts the change without any issue. Signup and view all the answers

What does the statement 'printf("This is C");' do?

It outputs 'This is C' to the standard output device. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the clause 'int main(void)'?

It declares a function with a return type of int. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the compiler being case sensitive?

It treats uppercase and lowercase letters as different characters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the line before 'int main(void)'?

It provides information about the 'printf' identifier. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 'return 0;' statement in the program?

It terminates the program with a success status. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using a high-level language?

It is easier to read and port across different platforms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a C compiler?

To convert C language statements into machine language Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the main function in a C program?

To define the program's entry point Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between source code and binary code?

Source code is written in a high-level language, while binary code is written in machine language Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of whitespace in C programming?

To enhance the readability of the program Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a C compiler and an interpreter?

A C compiler translates source code into machine language, while an interpreter executes source code directly Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of comments in C programming?

To self-document the source code and enhance its readability Signup and view all the answers

What is the default output file name produced by the gcc compiler?

a.out Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the command 'gcc hello.c' in Linux?

To compile the hello.c program into machine language Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of indentation in C programming?

To show the structure of the program and enhance its readability Signup and view all the answers