Chapter 1: Problem 4

Why must programs written in a high-level language be translated into machine language before they can be run?

Short Answer

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Answer: Programs written in high-level languages must be translated into machine language before they can be executed because computers can only execute instructions in machine language. High-level languages are designed for human understanding and contain abstractions that computers cannot directly process. The translation process, either through compilation or interpretation, allows the abstractions of high-level languages to be converted into specific, low-level instructions that the computer hardware can execute.

Step by step solution

Definition of High-Level Languages

High-level languages are programming languages that are designed to be easy for humans to read, write, and understand. These languages use abstraction and provide syntax and structures that are closer to natural language, rather than computer's binary language. Examples of high-level languages include Python, Java, and C++.

Definition of Machine Language

Machine language, also known as machine code or binary code, is the most basic level of instructions that are directly executed by a computer's hardware. The instructions are represented in a binary format, which consists of 0s and 1s. Unlike high-level languages, machine language is not human-readable and varies depending on the computer's architecture.

Process of Translation

To run a program written in a high-level language, it needs to be translated into machine language. There are two main methods of translation: compilation and interpretation. In the compilation process, a compiler converts the entire high-level language program into machine language code all at once, before execution. In the interpretation process, an interpreter translates high-level code into machine language line by line during the program's execution.

Necessity of Translation

The translation from high-level language to machine language is necessary because computers can only execute instructions in machine language. Since high-level languages are designed for humans to understand and write, they contain abstractions that computers cannot directly process. The translation process allows the abstractions of high-level languages to be converted into specific, low-level instructions that the computer hardware can execute.

Benefits of High-Level Languages

Although high-level languages must be translated into machine language before being executed, they offer numerous advantages. For example, they are easier for humans to read and understand, which increases programming productivity and reduces errors. Additionally, high-level languages often have features that automate memory management and error handling, making them more efficient to work with. Furthermore, high-level languages are typically platform-independent, allowing a single source code to run on multiple systems with minimal adjustments.

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Why must programs written in a high-level language be translated into machine language before they can be run?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of High-Level Languages

Definition of Machine Language

Process of Translation

Necessity of Translation

Benefits of High-Level Languages

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