Compilers
Computer Science: OCR A Level, topic 2.2.10
Compilers
Translators are special software that convert source code into executable binary. Compilers are just one type of translator:
Compilers
- Compilers translate the whole of a program in one go.
- Compilers will provide a list of errors once it has attempted the compilation process:
- This can make debugging easier.
- C, C++, Visual Basic, and Swift are all compiled languages.
Pros of compilers
- Compilers produce an executable program:
- There is no need to repeat this process more than once per version of the software.
- Compilers hide the source code from the end user:
- This helps to protect developers' intellectual property.
Cons of compilers
- The compilation process can be very slow:
- This can slow down development if many small changes need to be made.
Test yourself on Compilers
Which of these statements are true of compilers?
Why is compilation bad for small changes?