A-LevelComputer ScienceSystem software9618/12 · Oct/Nov 2022 · Q19 Marks

Compilers and interpreters translate programs written in a high-level language into a low-level language.

(a)Draw one line from each utility software to its most appropriate purpose. Utility software virus checker disk formatter backup disk repair defragmentation Purpose to reorganise files so they are contiguous to scan for malicious program code to decrease the file size to initialise a disk to create copies of files in case the original is lost to check for and fix inconsistencies on a disk[5]
(b)(i)State two drawbacks of using a compiler compared to an interpreter during program development.[2]
(b)(ii)Explain why high-level language programs might be partially compiled and partially interpreted.[2]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] virus checker -> to scan for malicious program code
[1] disk formatter -> to initialise a disk
[1] backup -> to create copies of files in case the original is lost
[1] disk repair -> to check for and fix inconsistencies on a disk
[1] defragmentation -> to reorganise files so they are contiguous
[1] larger amounts of source code take time to compile
[1] slower to produce the object code than an interpreter
[1] code cannot be changed without recompilation
[1] the program will not run if there are any errors
[1] errors cannot be corrected in real-time
[1] one error may result in other false errors being reported
[1] cannot easily test specific sections of the source code // cannot easily test unfinished source code
[1] partially compiled programs can be used on different platforms as they are interpreted when run
[1] code is optimised for the CPU as machine code is generated at run time

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