Examination Questions

5 – Application generation (AS / A Level) UNIT 1

1. State two pieces of utility software a secondary school would need to install on its computer systems. For
each piece of software justify why it would be needed.
Specification Points / Learning Objectives: PGOnline text book page ref: 39-50
Utility Software 1: AS Level A Level Specification point description
File Manager……………………………………………………………………………………………………….[1] 1.2.2a 1.2.2a The nature of applications, justifying suitable applications for a specific purpose
1.2.2b 1.2.2b Utilities
1.2.2c 1.2.2c Open source vs Closed source
Justification: ……To Store and manage homework. This would be needed so students can organise ther work 1.2.2d 1.2.2d Translators: interpreters, compilers and assemblers
in folders such “History folder”, “Maths Folder” ect.. ……………………………………………………………...... 1.2.2e Stages of compilation (Lexical analysis, Syntax analysis, Code generation and Optimisation)
1.2.2f Linkers and loaders and use of libraries
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......
Expectations / Learning Outcomes:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..[2]
 Terms 58-74 from your A Level Key Terminology PowerPoint should be included and underlined.
Utility Software 2: Backup Software………………………… [1]  You must include a clear comparison (e.g. in table form) of the Adv. & Dis. of open vs closed source.
 You must include a diagram that shows the relationship between the following terms: Translators, Interpreters,
Justification: …………………………To keep backups of important school documents like test results and other Compilers, Assemblers, Linkers, Loaders, Libraries, Immediate Code, Source Code, Machine Code, Object Code
important documents, This is done in case of damage of physical on sight storage such as a fire.
…………………………………………………………………………………......
2]

Grade TG. Breadth Depth Presentation Understanding

Quad Quad
2. One of the stages of code generation by a compiler is optimisation. Describe what optimisation does. A/A* LINK / FORMULATE
Create, Generate,
Core Core
ALL
Hypothesis, Reflect,
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......
Theorise, Consider

EXPLAIN / ANALYSE Dual Dual

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... B/C MOST
Apply, Argue, Compare, Core Core
Contrast, Criticise,
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... Relate, Justify
DESCRIBE / IDENTIFY Single Single
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..[2] D/E SOME
Name, Follow Simple Core Core
Procedure, Combine,
List, Outline

3. Explain why interpreters are used in a computer system U FEW

Very little depth of
understanding shown
Interpreters work be translating each line at a time. This is helpful for debugging as it can tell the developer
exactly what line the error happened which will reduce the time they have to search the code. MY ASSESSMENT GRADE IN THIS TOPIC IS:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………......
How To Improve:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. [2]

4. Interpreters and Compilers are both examples of Translators. Explain one way in which they are similar and
one way in which they differ.

One similarity is that they both allow you to translate high level langue code into low level language code so the
CPU can run it. This is what makes them both translators. A difference is that interpreters are faster as unlike
compliers they don’t convert their code into object code before machine This skipped step is what makes them My Response Is: (Set yourself specific targets / objectives as to how you will achieve your HTI)
faster..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......
Assemblers

Interpreters
Interpreters
Machine Code
Intermediate
Compliers Object Code
Code

Source Code