Language Design Trade-Offs Quiz

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What is the primary purpose of a programming language?

To provide a way to communicate with computers (correct)

To write novels and stories

To compose music

To draw pictures

What is the term used to describe the set of rules that determine how to communicate an algorithm in a programming language?

Semantics

Pragmatics

Grammar

Syntax (correct)

How does studying concepts of programming languages contribute to the field of computing?

Enhanced ability to express ideas (correct)

Advanced knowledge of mountain climbing techniques

Better understanding of marine biology

Improved cooking skills

What is the role of syntax in a programming language?

Determines the grammar rules Signup and view all the answers

Why have programming languages evolved over time?

Due to advancements in design methodologies Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a programming language from a natural language like English?

Use of syntax rules Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of evaluating the readability of a programming language?

The ease with which programs can be read and understood Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an aspect of evaluating the readability of a programming language?

Error checking mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic contributes to the readability of a programming language by providing a manageable set of features and constructs?

Orthogonality Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is essential for the writability of a programming language by allowing complex structures or operations to be defined and used while ignoring details?

Abstraction support Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor in evaluating the reliability of a programming language that involves testing for type errors?

Type checking Signup and view all the answers

Which category of languages focuses on data abstraction, inheritance, and late binding?

Object-oriented languages Signup and view all the answers

What is a common trade-off in language design discussed in the text?

Readability vs. writability Signup and view all the answers

In the von Neumann architecture, how are data and programs stored?

Data and programs are stored in separate memory units Signup and view all the answers

Which language provides powerful operators but sacrifices readability according to the text?

APL Signup and view all the answers

Which language category relies mainly on applying functions to given parameters for computation?

Functional languages Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limiting factor in the speed of computers, as mentioned in the text?

Von Neumann bottleneck Signup and view all the answers

Which implementation method does not involve translation, leading to slower execution?

Pure Interpretation Signup and view all the answers

What influences led to the dominance of imperative languages in early computer development?

The prevailing von Neumann computer architecture Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of Just-in-Time (JIT) implementation systems?

Initial translation followed by compilation into machine code Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when evaluating the cost associated with programming in a specific language?

The total training cost for programmers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of preprocessors in programming languages?

Expand embedded preprocessor macros Signup and view all the answers

Which implementation method involves a compromise between compilers and pure interpreters?

Hybrid Implementation Systems Signup and view all the answers

In the context of programming languages, what is meant by 'writability'?

'Easier writing' characteristic of a programming language Signup and view all the answers

'Flexibility vs. reliability' is an example of conflicting criteria related to:

Language design trade-offs Signup and view all the answers

Which method translates high-level programs into machine code?

Compilation Signup and view all the answers