Compilers, Interpreters and Software Types

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Questions and Answers

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

A compiler translates the entire source code into machine code before execution, while an interpreter translates and executes the code line by line.

Define application software and provide an example.

Application software is designed to help users perform specific tasks, such as word processing software like Microsoft Word.

Define system software and provide an example.

System software is designed to provide a platform for running application software and includes operating systems like Windows.

Explain why a compiler might be preferred over an interpreter in programming.

<p>Compilers often produce faster execution times since they translate the entire program at once, optimizing performance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might the user experience differ between application software and system software?

<p>Application software is user-oriented and focuses on specific tasks, whereas system software operates in the background and is less visible to the user.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Compiler and Interpreter

Compilers and interpreters are software programs that translate high-level programming languages into machine code that computers can understand.
Compilers translate the entire program at once and produce an executable file that can be run independently.
Interpreters translate and execute the code line by line, without creating an executable file.

Application and system software

Application software refers to programs designed for specific tasks and end-user needs.
Examples of application software include: web browsers, word processors, video games, and image editing software.
System software is software that manages the computer system's resources, including the operating system (OS).
The OS is a core system software that handles basic tasks like memory management, input/output operations, and running applications.
System software also includes: device drivers, utility programs, and language translators.