Languages - Word Drop

Programming languages are called ______ when they are close to human language, or low-level when close to processor instructions. The two low-level languages are machine code and ______, which uses short words called ______ in place of binary codes. Both are specific to one type of processor.

High-level languages use readable keywords and are ______, so the same program runs on different computers without changes. They are easier to write and ______ because mistakes are easier to spot. However, they give less direct control of the ______, such as which memory locations are used. Low-level languages give direct control and run very quickly, so are used for device drivers. Low-level programs are not portable, so a program must be ______ for another processor.

Because a CPU can only execute ______, source code must be translated. The general name for such a program is a ______. A ______ translates the whole program at once, before it is run. It produces an executable file that runs quickly. The source code is not given to users, so it is kept ______. Compiling is slow, and errors are reported at the end.

An ______ translates and runs one ______ at a time. It is useful during development because it stops at the first error. It runs more slowly, because every line is translated each time it runs. Users need the source code, so it cannot be kept private. Use a compiler for finished software, an interpreter for testing.