Programs written in a high-level language are often machine independent.
Define the term machine independence.
Mark scheme
Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:
- The (same) program/source code can run on different types/makes of computer/processor (1)
- With few/no changes (to the program code) (1)
- The same source code can be translated for each type of processor (1)
- A different compiler/interpreter is used for each type of processor (1)
- The program does not depend on one specific type of processor/hardware (1)
- Only one version of the program needs to be written/kept (1)
- The program is portable between different computers (1)
Allow 'different computers' as meaning different types of computer/processor.
Do not accept a program that will only run on one type of computer / the computer it was written on.
Do not accept written in machine code/binary, is translated into machine code, compiled/interpreted, is a low-level language.
Example answers and how they were marked
The same program can run on different types of computer (1) without being changed (1).
Why: Two creditworthy parts: runs on different types/makes of computer/processor (1); with few/no changes (1).
A program can run on different computers.
Why: Creditworthy point: can run on different types/makes of computer/processor (1), with 'different computers' allowed by the guidance. No second part about changes or translation.
A program is written in machine code so the computer can understand it.
Why: Misconception: machine code is not machine independence; the mark scheme does not accept this, and no other creditworthy point is given.