← Computer Science syllabus

EnglandComputer Science

2.5 Programming languages and IDEs

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are compilers, interpreters and assemblers, and how do they differ?

The purpose of translators, the characteristics of a compiler and an interpreter and how they differ, and the role of an assembler in translating assembly language.
An OCR J277 2.5.2 answer on translators: why source code must be translated, the characteristics of a compiler and an interpreter and how they differ, and the role of an assembler in translating assembly language to machine code.
10 min answer →

What is the difference between high-level and low-level languages, and why use each?

The characteristics and purpose of high-level and low-level languages, the difference between machine code and assembly language, and the advantages and disadvantages of each level.
An OCR J277 2.5.1 answer on high-level and low-level languages: their characteristics and purpose, the difference between machine code and assembly language, and the advantages and disadvantages of programming at each level.
9 min answer →

What is an IDE, and what tools does it provide to help a programmer?

The common tools and facilities available in an integrated development environment (IDE): the editor, error diagnostics, run-time environment and translators, and how each helps a programmer.
An OCR J277 2.5.2 answer on integrated development environments: what an IDE is and the common tools it provides (editor, error diagnostics and debugging, run-time environment and translators), and how each helps a programmer write and test code.
9 min answer →

How do programming languages, source code, machine code and IDEs fit together in writing software?

How programming languages, source code, translators and integrated development environments fit together: why source code must be translated to machine code, and how the choice of language and tools supports writing software.
An OCR J277 2.5 answer tying the topic together: source code versus machine code, why translation is needed, how language level (high or low) is chosen, and how an IDE supports the whole process of writing, translating, running and debugging software.
9 min answer →