Question

Mark the answers true or false as follows: A. True B. False A program written in a high-level language is stored in a text file that is also called a source file.

Short answer

A. True

Step-by-step solution

Understanding High-Level Language Programs

High-level language programs are written in text format, using instructions that are similar to human language. These programs are then saved as text files, which makes it easier for programmers to read and modify them.

Defining Source File

The term 'source file' refers to any file that contains source code, typically written in a high-level programming language. This code is intended to be compiled or interpreted into machine code so that a computer can run it.

Matching Concept To Statement

The statement suggests that a program written in a high-level language, when stored in a text file, is called a source file. Given the definitions, this statement is correct because the text file containing code in a high-level language is indeed a source file.

Key concepts

Source Code

Source code is the foundation of any software application. It is the set of instructions written by programmers using languages that resemble human language, such as Python, Java, or C++. These instructions guide the computer on what tasks to perform. When writing source code, programmers create a sequence of commands and logic that solve specific problems or achieve certain functionalities.
For example, a simple source code might instruct the computer to display "Hello, World!" on the screen. This code not only needs to be logically correct but also syntactically accurate according to the rules of the chosen programming language. Errors in source code may lead to bugs or crashes, making meticulous attention to detail essential.

• Source code is meant to be understood by humans.
• It forms the basis for creating executable programs.
• Writing source code requires knowledge of programming languages.

Overall, source code is critical for bringing software ideas to reality.

Text Files

Text files are a universal format used to store data. They are simple files that contain human-readable characters, making them easy to create and modify using any text editor. In the world of programming, text files often serve as a container for source code, configuration settings, and various types of data.
One of the key advantages of using text files for source code is their simplicity and compatibility. Since text files are plain, they can be opened and edited on almost any computing device without requiring specialized software. This flexibility makes text files particularly valuable for programming tasks, where collaboration and portability are essential.

• Text files are easy to transfer and share.
• They are supported by nearly every platform.
• Text editors like Notepad and Vim can edit these files.

Using text files ensures that source code remains accessible and editable throughout the software development process.

Compiling

Compiling is a crucial step in software development. It refers to translating source code written in a high-level language into machine code, which a computer's processor can execute directly. This process is carried out by a special program called a compiler. The compiler checks the source code for errors and optimizations before converting it into an executable format.
There are several benefits to compiling a program:

• Faster execution: Compiled programs generally run faster because they are already translated into machine code.
• Error checking: Compilers can identify syntax and logical errors in the source code before execution.
• Protection of code: Compiling converts the human-readable source code into a format that is less easily modified, which protects intellectual property.

Despite its advantages, compiling is not always necessary. Some languages use different approaches to run programs, such as interpreted languages, which work without a prior compiling step.

Interpreted Languages

Interpreted languages are a category of programming languages that do not require compiling into machine code before execution. Instead, they rely on an interpreter, a program that executes the source code line by line. This approach contrasts with compiled languages, where the entire code is converted at once.
Interpreted languages offer several advantages:

• Portability: They can run on any platform with the appropriate interpreter installed.
• Ease of debugging: Because the code is executed line by line, errors are more easily tracked down and fixed.
• Flexibility: Alterations can be made quickly, making rapid testing and iteration possible.

Examples of popular interpreted languages include Python, JavaScript, and Ruby. While they might not match the speed of compiled languages, their benefits in ease of use and flexibility make them an attractive choice for many programming applications. Understanding whether a language is compiled or interpreted can significantly impact how a programmer approaches the development process.