Translators - Compilers
Computer Science: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 4.5.3
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 Translators - Compilers
Which of these statements are true of compilers?
Why is compilation bad for small changes?