What's difference b/w assemblers & compilers

  • Thread starter Thread starter pairofstrings
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Difference
AI Thread Summary
Compilers and assemblers serve distinct functions in the programming process. Assemblers convert low-level assembly language directly into machine code, typically translating one instruction at a time, often with some additional features like macro expansion. In contrast, compilers translate higher-level programming languages, such as C or Fortran, into machine language, often resulting in a one-to-many relationship between input and output. Compilers usually generate assembly language as an intermediate step, which can then be processed by an assembler to produce the final machine code. The different names reflect their specific roles in translating code from one form to another.
pairofstrings
Messages
411
Reaction score
7
Can you tell me the differences between compilers and assemblers? why are they named different?
 
Technology news on Phys.org
Assemblers generally convert one input instruction string to one output machine language bit pattern. They may have some higher level capabilities, such as macro expansion,but you can think of them as being simple "English" to "Machine" translators.

Compilers are the tool that translates a higher level language description, say 'C' or Fortran into machine language, so more often there is a one to many relationship between input string and output. Most compilers can output the relevant assembly language for the system, and that output may in-fact be fed into an assembler to make the machine code.

They are named differently because they do different things...
 
Yup.
 
Thread 'Is this public key encryption?'

Thread 'Is this public key encryption?'

I've tried to intuit public key encryption but never quite managed. But this seems to wrap it up in a bow. This seems to be a very elegant way of transmitting a message publicly that only the sender and receiver can decipher. Is this how PKE works? No, it cant be. In the above case, the requester knows the target's "secret" key - because they have his ID, and therefore knows his birthdate.
View full post »

Thread 'Who is responsible for the software when AI takes over programming?'

I tried a web search "the loss of programming ", and found an article saying that all aspects of writing, developing, and testing software programs will one day all be handled through artificial intelligence. One must wonder then, who is responsible. WHO is responsible for any problems, bugs, deficiencies, or whatever malfunctions which the programs make their users endure? Things may work wrong however the "wrong" happens. AI needs to fix the problems for the users. Any way to...
View full post »

Similar threads

How did early compilers overcome the need for a compiler to compile itself?
Replies
6
Views
2K
Learning Assembly and computer architecture for x86
3
Replies
102
Views
765
Difference between interpreted and compiled files....
Replies
29
Views
3K
Assembly language programming vs Other programming languages
3
Replies
122
Views
15K
Interpreter vs Compiler: What Are the Differences and Benefits?
2
Replies
59
Views
8K
Python What are the limitations of Codon, the new Python compiler?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Fortran Why Won't GFORTRAN Versions Beyond 5.4 Compile with Optimization?
Replies
4
Views
1K
Working on a compiler, need some opinions
Replies
20
Views
3K
C/C++ Questions about C++, pointers, OS and compiler memory allocation
Replies
17
Views
3K
What is the best compiler now for intensive calculations?
Replies
13
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top