NEW 1.2.2 Application generation

Which of the following is the correct order of the stages of compilation?

• Lexical Analysis > Syntax Analysis > Optimisation > Code Generation

• Lexical Analysis > Syntax Analysis > Code Generation > Optimisation

• Syntax Analysis > Lexical Analysis > Code Generation > Optimisation

• Syntax Analysis > Lexical Analysis > Optimisation > Code Generation

Answer explanation

Compilation is the translation process that produces object code, intermediate code or machine code from high level source code. Compilation involves analysing the language structure of the source program, determining if it is valid, and producing suitable code for the CPU to execute. The stages of compilation are 1) Lexical Analysis, 2) Syntax Analysis, 3) Code Generation, 4) Optimisation.

Which is the best definition of backup utilities?

• Provides a way to recover data if the original copy gets lost, deleted or corrupted

• Reduces the amount of space information takes up on a storage device

• Helps to consolidate the parts of the files back together

• Helps to detect and remove malicious programs

Answer explanation

Utility software are system programs that perform a specific task in the operation of the computer. For example file backup, virus checking or a compression program. They are typically designed to keep your computer safe and in good working order. Backup utilities provide a way to recover data in case the original copy gets lost, deleted or corrupted.

Which of the following is a disadvantage of closed source software?

• Support is normally free

• The company tends to provide free updates

• The company is obliged to provide software that is fit for purpose

• The software cannot be changed

Answer explanation

Closed source software (often called proprietary) is a type of computer program for which the software code is not shared with the public for anyone to look at or make changes to. Closed / Proprietary file types are often only able to be opened if you own a version of the software they were originally made in.

Which is the best definition of 'file managers'?

• Helps to detect and remove malicious programs

• Reduces the amount of space information takes up on a storage device

• Allows directories, folders and files and to created, moved, copied, deleted and renamed

• Helps to consolidate the parts of the files back together

Answer explanation

Utility software are system programs that perform a specific task in the operation of the computer. For example file backup, virus checking or a compression program. They are typically designed to keep your computer safe and in good working order. File managers allow directories, folders and files and to created, moved, copied, deleted and renamed.

Which is the best definition of compilation?

• Turns Assembly code into machine code

• Turns source code into machine code

• Translates intermediate code into machine code

• The process of language statements being checked against the rules of the language

Answer explanation

Compilation is the translation process that produces machine code from source code through many stages including lexical analysis, syntax analysis, code generation and linking library routines.

Which is the best definition of lexical analysis?

• The translation process that produces an equivalent program in a low-level language

• Ensures that executables programs are optimised at least as much as the compiler can predict

• The process of language statements being checked against the rules of the language

• Puts each code statement into the form best suited to the syntax analyser

Answer explanation

Lexical analysis is the stage in compilation of a program that puts each statement into the form best suited to the syntax analyser. The standard components of each statement, such as PRINT, IF etc., are replaced by their tokens (a unique fixed length code) and programmer-defined names are entered into a symbol table. The lexical analyser also removes unnecessary characters such as spaces, tabs and coder comments.

Which word should be used in this sentence? High level … can be translated into machine code using a compiler.

• flowcharts

• pseudocode

• source code

• assembly code

Answer explanation

High level source code can be translated into machine code using a compiler.

Which of the following is an advantage of open source software?

• Support must be paid for

• Usually robustly tested

• The finished quality of the software can be very varied

• Can be modified by the user

Answer explanation

Open source refers to software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified. Open source file types are often able to be opened on many different types of applications.

An embedded system is running on very specialised hardware that is optimised for the task. A low level language is chosen for the development environment. What should be used to turn the code into binary?

• Interpreter

• Assembler

• Compiler

• Virtual machine

Answer explanation

Low level assembly language code is translated into binary by an assembler. Compilers are used to translate high level language code.

Which is the best definition of the term 'linker'?

• Allows already compiled object code files or modules to be combined with the compiled program

• The process of a virtual machine turning intermediate code into machine code

• Copies an object program held on backing store into main store ready for execution

• A collection of pre-compiled routines which can be incorporated into a program

Answer explanation

A linker allows already compiled object code files or modules to be combined with the compiled program.