Edexcel 1CP2 3.3.2: Interpreters and compilers
The free BugBot lesson that teach this point, a robot to try it on, and the past-paper questions that test it.
What it covers
BugBot's processor cannot read Python. Nor can the one in your laptop. A processor understands only its own machine code: patterns of binary that mean things like "add these two numbers" or "jump to that instruction". Every program in every other language has to be translated into machine code before it can run. This lesson is about the kinds of language, and the programs that translate between them.
- High level and low level
- Assembly language
- Translators
- Which does BugBot use?
- An interpreter of your own
Or do it in the simulator, with tasks that mark themselves
Lessons that teach it
- F6.5 Languages and translators Robust programs
High and low level, machine code and assembly; compilers, interpreters and assemblers.
Try it on a robot
The task from F6.5 Languages and translators, running here. Change the program and press Run.
The specification is Edexcel's own document; this page says which of our lessons teach point 3.3.2 and is not endorsed by the board.