Assemblers, Compilers, Interpreters and features of IDEs

What's another name for interpreted languages?

Scripting languages

The environment where the user can write code

Shell

Libraries

These provide functions that are not included in the core part of the programming language. These functions can be imported and used at the start of the program code. For example, in Python the Turtle Graphics library provides access to some simple drawing and graphics tools

Translator

This compiles or interprets the code

Auto documentation

This explains the function and purpose of the code, e.g. by noting the modules and variables used, and its expected behaviour, and collates this into a text file that can be used by other developers to understand how and why the code was created

Debugger

This is a program within the IDE that is used to detect errors. If the debugger detects errors, it may suggest what the type of error is and what line it is on

Auto-completion (or code completion)

This is designed to save time while writing code. As you start to type the first part of a function, it suggests or completes the function and any arguments or variables

Bracket matching

This is used for languages that use pairs of brackets to mark out blocks of code. It allows the code to be read and understood more quickly. If you forget to close a bracket while writing, coloured sections may help you to detect missing brackets

Syntax checks

This recognises incorrect use of syntax and highlights any errors

Assemblers

Translates assembly language into machine code. Assembly language is a low-level language written in mnemonics that closely reflects the operations of the CPU

Interpreters

Translates code into machine code, instruction by instruction - the CPU executes each instruction before the interpreter moves on to translate the next instruction Interpreted code will show an error as soon as it hits a problem, so it is easier to debug than compiled code

Compilers

A compiler translates the whole program into machine code before the program is run It can be difficult to test individual lines of compiled code compared to interpreted languages as all bugs are reported after the program has been compiled

IDE's

An integrated development environment (IDE) is an application used to create software. An IDE can often support different languages IDEs have a number of different tools and functions that assist a developer in the creation of software

Which is faster to execute, interpreted or compiled code?

Compiled code

Typical usage of assembly language

Device drivers, low-level embedded systems, and real-time systems. This is the only language your computer can speak directly