Computer Program Compilation Quiz

What is the first stage of program compilation?

• Code Generation

• Lexical Analysis

• Syntactic Analysis

• Optimization

Answer explanation

The first stage of program compilation is Lexical Analysis. This phase involves breaking the source code into tokens, which are the basic building blocks for further analysis and processing in the compilation process.

Which of the following is NOT a type of translator?

• Optimizer

• Compiler

• Interpreter

• Assembler

Answer explanation

An optimizer is not a type of translator. It is a tool used to improve the efficiency of code generated by compilers, interpreters, or assemblers, but it does not translate code itself.

What does the term 'Lexeme' refer to?

• A basic unit of a language

• A structure representing a lexeme

• The spaces between words

• A collection of computer instructions

Answer explanation

The term 'Lexeme' refers to a basic unit of a language, which encompasses the fundamental meaning of a word or phrase, distinguishing it from its grammatical forms. This makes 'A basic unit of a language' the correct choice.

What is the purpose of code optimization?

• To create an executable file

• To convert high-level code to low-level code

• To improve code quality and efficiency

• To increase the size of the code

Answer explanation

The purpose of code optimization is to improve code quality and efficiency, making programs run faster and use fewer resources. This is essential for better performance, unlike the other options which do not focus on these improvements.

Which of the following is an advantage of using a compiler?

• Slower execution speed

• Easier to debug

• Source code is included

• More secure than interpreted code

What does the symbol table store?

• Only keywords

• Information about variables and functions

• Only variable names

• Only function names

Answer explanation

The symbol table stores information about variables and functions, including their names, types, and scopes. This allows the compiler or interpreter to manage and access these entities effectively during program execution.

What is the role of the 'Syntactic Analysis' stage?

• To analyze the stream of characters

• To check for semantic correctness

• To ensure statements conform to grammar rules

• To generate machine code

Which of the following is a disadvantage of compilers?

• Faster execution speed

• Requires source code for execution

• Object code needs to be produced before execution

• Easier error handling

What does an interpreter do?

• Executes code line-by-line at runtime

• Translates entire code before execution

• Optimizes the code

• Generates an executable file

What is the output of a compiler?

• Intermediate code

• Token table

• Source code

• Machine code