This introduction covers The Language Translators within Translators for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Translators in 3.4 Computer Systems for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 8 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 2 of 8 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
The Language Translators
Imagine you have a Spanish book and need to read it in English. An interpreter is like someone reading it aloud, translating each sentence as they go - slower but you hear it immediately. A compiler is like someone translating the whole book first, then giving you the English version - takes time upfront but then you can read it as fast as you like! An assembler is simpler - converting Assembly mnemonics to machine code, almost word-for-word.
Practice questions for Translators
Which type of translator converts an entire high-level language program into machine code before the program runs?
Explain why a compiled program runs faster than an interpreted program.