Source Program

Definition

A source program is a computer program written in a high-level programming language, such as BASIC, FORTRAN, or Pascal. This type of program is designed to be fed into a computer where it undergoes translation into machine language, or object code, by a compiler or interpreter. The resulting machine language code, also known as an object program, is what the computer can directly execute and analyze.

Examples

BASIC Source Program:
```
110 PRINT "Hello, World!"
220 END
```
This simple BASIC program displays “Hello, World!” on the screen.

FORTRAN Source Program:

1PROGRAM HelloWorld
2PRINT *, "Hello, World!"
3END PROGRAM HelloWorld

This FORTRAN source code achieves the same output.

Pascal Source Program:
```
program HelloWorld;
begin
  writeln('Hello, World!');
end.
```
In Pascal, this code prints “Hello, World!” to the console.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the purpose of a source program? A: The purpose of a source program is to be written in a human-readable high-level language, which is then translated into machine language by a compiler for execution on a computer.

Q2: Which languages are typically used to write source programs? A: Common languages include BASIC, FORTRAN, Pascal, C, C++, Java, and Python.

Q3: How does a computer translate a source program into machine language? A: The translation is performed by a compiler or interpreter, which converts the high-level code into machine code, creating an object program.

Q4: What is the output of compiling a source program? A: The output of compiling is an object program, which is machine-language code that a computer’s processor can execute directly.

Q5: Can source programs be executed directly by the computer? A: No, source programs cannot be executed directly. They must first be translated into machine language by a compiler or interpreter.

1. Compiler: A software that translates high-level source code into machine language. 2. Interpreter: A software that executes instructions written in a high-level language directly, translating them on the fly. 3. Machine Language: The lowest-level programming language, understood directly by the computer’s central processing unit (CPU). 4. Object Program: The machine language output produced by a compiler from the source program. 5. High-Level Language: Programming languages that are more abstract and easier for humans to use and understand, like Python, Java, and C++.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Code Complete” by Steve McConnell
“The Art of Computer Programming” by Donald E. Knuth
“Introduction to the Theory of Computation” by Michael Sipser
“Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools” by Alfred V. Aho, Monica S. Lam, Ravi Sethi, Jeffrey D. Ullman

Fundamentals of Source Program: Computer Science Basics Quiz

### What is a source program? - [x] A program written in a high-level programming language. - [ ] A program written directly in machine code. - [ ] An executable program on a computer. - [ ] A type of hardware device. > **Explanation:** A source program is specifically a program written in a high-level programming language. It needs to be translated into machine language by a compiler or interpreter. ### What must occur before a source program can be executed by a computer? - [ ] It must be printed and compiled manually. - [x] It must be translated into machine language. - [ ] It must be stored in memory. - [ ] It only needs to be saved on a disk. > **Explanation:** A source program must be translated into machine language by a compiler or interpreter before a computer can execute it. ### Which tool translates a source program into machine language? - [x] Compiler - [ ] Debugger - [ ] Assembler - [ ] Linker > **Explanation:** A compiler is the tool responsible for translating a source program into machine language. ### What output does a compiler generate? - [x] Object Program - [ ] Source Code - [ ] High-Level Language - [ ] Hardware Configuration > **Explanation:** The output generated by a compiler is an object program, which is in machine language. ### Can a source program be executed without any translation? - [ ] Yes, directly by modern computers. - [x] No, it must be translated to machine language. - [ ] It depends on the programming language. - [ ] Only if it's a simple program. > **Explanation:** A source program cannot be executed without being translated into machine language by a compiler or interpreter. ### Which high-level programming language example is NOT commonly associated with source programs? - [ ] BASIC - [ ] FORTRAN - [ ] Pascal - [x] Binary > **Explanation:** Binary is not a high-level programming language; it is a low-level language directly representing machine code. ### What is another name for the output of compiling a source program? - [x] Object Program - [ ] Linker Script - [ ] Debugged Code - [ ] Syntax Tree > **Explanation:** An object program is another name for the machine language code that results from compiling a source program. ### What type of language is a source program NOT written in? - [ ] Python - [ ] Java - [x] Machine Language - [ ] C++ > **Explanation:** A source program is written in a high-level language, not machine language. ### Which process does NOT involve a source program? - [ ] Compilation - [ ] Interpretation - [x] Physical manufacturing - [ ] Debugging > **Explanation:** Physical manufacturing has no relation to the process of dealing with a source program. ### Why is it important to compile or interpret a source program? - [x] To make it executable by the computer. - [ ] To store it on a hard drive. - [ ] To print it on paper. - [ ] To encrypt the code. > **Explanation:** Compiling or interpreting a source program is crucial to transform it into machine language, making it executable by the computer.

Thank you for exploring the fundamentals of source programs through our detailed overview and engaging quiz. Understanding how source programs work is a core concept in computer science. Keep advancing your knowledge!