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Utility software and programming languages

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) · lesson 24 of 35 · 20 min

Utility Software

Levels of Programming Languages

Compilers vs Interpreters

Which utility reorganises fragmented files on a hard disk?

  • Antivirus
  • Disk defragmenter
  • Backup software
  • File compression

Answer: Disk defragmenter
Disk defragmenter consolidates fragmented files for faster HDD access.

Which language level is directly executed by the CPU without translation?

  • High-level language
  • Assembly language
  • Machine code
  • Python

Answer: Machine code
Machine code (binary) is the only language the CPU executes directly.

A compiler differs from an interpreter in that it:

  • Translates one line at a time
  • Produces a standalone executable from the whole source
  • Only works with Python
  • Runs slower than an interpreter
  • Answer: 1

A compiler translates the entire program to machine code, producing an executable file.


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