Software That Translates Programming Languages
Software that translates code written in one programming language into another form (especially machine language) is known as a Language Translator. These are part of System Software.
🔹 Types of Language Translators
1. Compiler
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Translates entire program from high-level language (HLL) to machine code at once.
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Faster execution, but errors are shown only after complete compilation.
Examples:
GCC (C Compiler), javac (Java Compiler), Turbo C++
2. Interpreter
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Translates one line at a time from high-level language to machine code.
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Slower, but useful for debugging since errors are shown line-by-line.
Examples:
Python Interpreter, Ruby Interpreter
3. Assembler
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Translates assembly language into machine code.
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Works with low-level programming.
Examples:
MASM (Microsoft Assembler), NASM (Netwide Assembler)
📘 Important Points for Exams
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Compiler → Translates whole code at once.
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Interpreter → Translates line by line.
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Assembler → Translates assembly language.
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All are part of system software.
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They help the computer understand user-written code.
🧠MCQs on Language Translators
1. Which software converts high-level language to machine code in one go?
A) Interpreter
B) Compiler
C) Assembler
D) Emulator
✔️ Answer: B
2. Which translator works line-by-line?
A) Compiler
B) Linker
C) Interpreter
D) Debugger
✔️ Answer: C
3. Assembler is used to translate:
A) Machine language
B) Assembly language
C) High-level language
D) Java code
✔️ Answer: B
4. Python uses which type of translator?
A) Compiler
B) Interpreter
C) Assembler
D) Editor
✔️ Answer: B
5. A program that translates source code into object code is called:
A) Interpreter
B) Translator
C) Compiler
D) Emulator
✔️ Answer: C