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Which of the following statements accurately describes the function of a compiler?

• It requires the original source code to run the program.

• It only identifies syntax errors without compiling the code.

• It executes code line by line without translating it.

• It translates high-level language source code into machine code.

Answer explanation

A compiler translates high-level language source code into machine code, enabling the program to run on a computer. The other options incorrectly describe the compiler's functions.

Which of the following best describes the output of a compiler?

• It produces machine code that can be executed directly.

• It generates source code that needs further compilation.

• It creates a script that runs in an interpreter.

• It outputs a list of syntax errors only.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that a compiler produces machine code that can be executed directly. This is the primary function of a compiler, as it translates high-level source code into low-level machine code for execution.

What happens when a syntax error is encountered in a program using a compiler?

• The compiler stops execution and reports the error.

• The compiler ignores the error and continues compiling.

• The program is automatically corrected by the compiler.

• The entire program is compiled before any execution.

Answer explanation

When a syntax error is encountered, the compiler does not execute the program. Instead, it compiles the entire program first and reports any errors found, stopping further processing until the errors are resolved.

What is a key difference in how compilers and interpreters handle syntax errors?

• Both compilers and interpreters ignore syntax errors during execution.

• Compilers stop at the first syntax error, while interpreters compile the entire code.

• Interpreters compile the code before executing it, while compilers execute it line by line.

• Compilers require all syntax errors to be corrected before running the program, while interpreters do not.

Answer explanation

Compilers require all syntax errors to be corrected before running the program, meaning they check the entire code first. In contrast, interpreters can execute code line by line, allowing them to run programs even with syntax errors present.

How does an interpreter execute code?

• It optimizes the code for faster execution.

• It translates and executes code line by line.

• It requires the code to be pre-compiled.

• It compiles the entire program before execution.

Answer explanation

An interpreter executes code by translating and executing it line by line, allowing for immediate execution and easier debugging. This is in contrast to compilers, which require the entire program to be compiled before execution.

Which of the following statements accurately describes how a compiler processes code?

• It translates high-level language source code into machine code before execution.

• It executes code line by line, stopping at errors.

• It requires the original source code to run the program.

• It only identifies syntax errors without compiling the code.

Answer explanation

The correct statement is that a compiler translates high-level language source code into machine code before execution. This process allows the program to run efficiently on the hardware, unlike the other options which misrepresent compiler functionality.

What is a disadvantage of using a compiler?

• Compilers can run without the original source code.

• Compilers do not optimize code.

• Compilers are slower than interpreters.

• Code changes require recompilation.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Code changes require recompilation.' This is a disadvantage because any modification to the source code necessitates recompiling the entire program, which can be time-consuming compared to interpreted languages.

What is a key feature of how interpreters handle syntax errors during execution?

• Interpreters compile the entire code before execution.

• Interpreters stop execution and report the error immediately.

• Interpreters require all syntax errors to be corrected before running.

• Interpreters ignore syntax errors and continue running.

Answer explanation

Interpreters stop execution and report the error immediately when they encounter a syntax error. This allows developers to fix issues on the fly, unlike compilers that require the entire code to be error-free before execution.

What is a significant advantage of using an interpreter for beginners?

• Interpreters can run without the original source code.

• Interpreters require less coding knowledge.

• Interpreters produce faster execution speeds than compilers.

• Interpreters allow for immediate correction of syntax errors.

Answer explanation

Interpreters allow for immediate correction of syntax errors, which is beneficial for beginners. They can test code line by line, making it easier to identify and fix mistakes on the spot, enhancing the learning process.

What is the primary role of an assembler in programming?

• To translate assembly code into machine code.

• To convert high-level language into machine code.

• To optimize code for faster execution.

• To debug syntax errors in the code.

Answer explanation

The primary role of an assembler is to translate assembly code into machine code, which is the low-level code that a computer's processor can execute directly. This makes the first answer choice the correct one.