Language Processor
Introduction
As discussed earlier, an important function of system software is to convert all user instructions into machine understandable language. When we talk of human machine interactions, languages are of three types −
Machine-level language − This language is nothing but a string of 0s and 1s that the machines can understand. It is completely machine dependent.
Assembly-level language − This language introduces a layer of abstraction by defining mnemonics. Mnemonics are English like words or symbols used to denote a long string of 0s and 1s. For example, the word “READ” can be defined to mean that computer has to retrieve data from the memory. The complete instruction will also tell the memory address. Assembly level language is machine dependent.
High level language − This language uses English like statements and is completely independent of machines. Programs written using high level languages are easy to create, read and understand.
Program written in high level programming languages like Java, C++, etc. is called source code. Set of instructions in machine readable form is called object code or machine code. System software that converts source code to object code is called language processor. There are three types of language interpreters−
Assembler − Converts assembly level program into machine level program.
Interpreter − Converts high level programs into machine level program line by line.
Compiler − Converts high level programs into machine level programs at one go rather than line by line.
As discussed earlier, an important function of system software is to convert all user instructions into machine understandable language. When we talk of human machine interactions, languages are of three types −
Assembly-level language − This language introduces a layer of abstraction by defining mnemonics. Mnemonics are English like words or symbols used to denote a long string of 0s and 1s. For example, the word “READ” can be defined to mean that computer has to retrieve data from the memory. The complete instruction will also tell the memory address. Assembly level language is machine dependent.
High level language − This language uses English like statements and is completely independent of machines. Programs written using high level languages are easy to create, read and understand.
Program written in high level programming languages like Java, C++, etc. is called source code. Set of instructions in machine readable form is called object code or machine code. System software that converts source code to object code is called language processor. There are three types of language interpreters−
Assembler − Converts assembly level program into machine level program.
Interpreter − Converts high level programs into machine level program line by line.
Compiler − Converts high level programs into machine level programs at one go rather than line by line.
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