SLR 5
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Describe what linker means
• Combines/links code/programs to files/software libraries… • …to form a single executable file
Describe what loader means
• It is part of the operating system • Loads an executable file (into memory)… • …from secondary storage • Loads the required software libraries
Identify which type of translator would be the most suitable for a high-level language computer game and give a reason why
• Compiler … • … Would protect their source code / keep their IP secret • … meaning competitors cannot steal their ideas • … Protect their money making ideas • …would mean the game would run quicker (than if it were interpreted).
Describe the difference between utility software and application software.
• Application software allows the user to solve a problem / complete a task. • Utility software is designed to monitor / manage / maintain a computer system
Name two different types of application software that may be used by students, giving an example of how each may be used.
• *Word Processor … • Allows students to write essays / reports ** Spreadsheets … • Allow students to track/aggregate/calculate data • Create charts • Model situations / experiments • *Presentation … • Allows students to create presentations on a particular topic
Explain one advantage to a school of using open source software to install application software on virtual machines
• Open Source Software allows access/modification to/of the source code… …can tailor the software to their specific needs …may be more widely bug fixed …there may be a wider pool of support available in the community Or • There will likely be no cost to purchasing a license to use the software… …saving the school money
Name three different types of utility software
• Disk defragmentation • File management • Device driver • System cleanup • Anti-virus/Anti-malware • Firewall • Backup • Compression
Give one benefit of using a spreadsheet application for this calculating wages compared to doing it manually
• Fewer mistakes (likely to be made) / More accurate • Faster as you can apply the same formula to multiple cells / By example • What-if analysis can be performed • Values can be changed and results automatically(re)calculated (by using formulas) • Can be shared electronically
Give two other types of application packages that a small business could use, giving an example of a task that the business could use each application for.
• Database/DBMS • …to store/query/sort data about customers/staff/stock • Word processor • …to create documents / letters / invoices for clients/staff • Presentation software • …to create presentations for clients/staff • Email software • …for staff to communicate with each other or with customers • Graphics manipulation • …to produce adverts / images for sales • Web browser • …to view websites to purchase materials/stock/ view competitor’s website
Describe a drawback of using closed source software (rather than open source software) for a small business.
• No access to source code • Cannot modify/improve to meet business needs • Cannot fix bugs • (Usually) cost to purchase licences / licence conditions to meet/ongoing fees
State the purpose of a translator
• To convert (high-level or assembly) code to low level/machine code
Explain two differences between a compiler and an interpreter
• Compiler translates code all at once/before it’s executed • Interpreter translates code line by line / during runtime • Compiler produces executable file for reuse / Doesn’t need to be translated every time it is run • Interpreter needs to re translate next time program is run • Compiler lists all errors/Compiled code doesn’t run if there are any errors • Interpreter stops at the first error • Compiled programs have the source code hidden • Interpreted programs have the source code visible
Describe the purpose of code optimisation
• To make the program run faster/ code is more efficient • To make the program use fewer resources/less memory
State the type of translator that is used to convert assembly language into machine readable code.
• Assembler
State what is meant by the term ‘open source software’.
• Source code / program code is freely available • …to edit/amend recompile.
Give one benefit of using an open source IDE rather than a closed source IDE.
• Can modify code and adapt IDE to programmer’s needs • Is likely to be financially free of cost. • Can recompile to work on different systems • Has the benefit of a community potentially improving the system • Can learn from others • Can ensure no backdoors / malware
Explain what is meant by a library, giving one example of when one may be used
• Sections of code / program file • Written by other authors / already written • Containing useful routines • Suitable example (e.g. GUI routines, database access routine, encryption, graphics)
Describe one advantage of the use of library files to programmers.
• Save time… • …because no need to rewrite code • Use expertise of others.. • …to complete tasks that require specialist knowledge / abstract away complexity. • Has already been tested/the programmer doesn’t have to test it themselves • Making debugging easier/saving time
Describe one disadvantage of the use of library files to programmers
• May (significantly) increase size of compiled file… • …as library contains many routines that aren‘t being used. • Not written by the programmer • …so introduces uncertainty / require further testing /programmer needs to spend time familiarising themselves with it
Explain how linkers are used during the compilation process
• Links the main program to libraries • ..can either include them in the final executable code • ..or get the executable code to point to the external libraries