Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) Exam Questions

• B Compiler (1)
• The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is compiler.
• A is not correct because an assembler translates assembly language code into machine code, not a high-level program
• C is not correct because an interpreter translates and executes the code line by line, without producing a complete machine code program first
• D is not correct because a linker combines object code files into a single executable, it does not translate source code

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.

Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:

• Translates/converts (high-level/source) code one line/statement at a time (1)
• Translates/converts the code and executes/runs each line as it goes (1)
• Executes/runs each line/statement immediately after it is translated (1)
• Reports/stops with an error message as soon as a syntax error is found (1)

Allow 'runs' for executes, 'converts' for translates and 'instruction' for line/statement

Do not accept translates the whole program before it is run

Do not accept produces/creates object code, an executable file or machine code that is saved

Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:

• Statements are written in English-like words/use maths symbols (1) so the programmer can understand more easily what each one does (1)
• The language uses meaningful names for variables/structured constructs such as loops (1) so the code is easier to read/follow (1)
• One statement translates into several machine code instructions (1) so there are fewer instructions to learn/understand for the same task (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Do not accept 'it is easier' / 'it is simpler' on its own, without saying what is easier/simpler.

Do not accept 'the computer understands it directly' / 'it does not need translating'.

Do not award answers about the program running faster or using less memory, as these are not about ease of learning.

Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:

• No object code/machine code file is stored/saved (1) so there is no translated program to run on the next occasion (1)
• The translation is only temporary/is lost when the program ends (1) because each line is translated as the program runs (1)
• No executable file is created/saved (1) so the whole program has to be translated again every time it is run (1)
• The interpreter translates each line while the program is running (1) so nothing is kept that could be run without the interpreter (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Do not accept 'it is interpreted' or 'it is not compiled' without saying that no object code/executable is stored/saved.

Do not accept 'the source code is high-level so it must be translated' or 'the source code has to be turned into machine code' on its own, as this is true of any translation.

Do not accept answers about the source code being deleted.