Chapter 1, Problem 1MC

A(n) __________ is a set of instructions that a computer follows to perform a task.

1. a. compiler
2. b. program
3. c. interpreter
4. d. programming language

Program Description Answer

A computer implements a particular task by using a program which contains set of instructions.

Hence, the correct answer is option “B”.

Explanation of Solution

Program:

• In general, a computer is able to perform many types of tasks because they are can programmed.
  • It implies that computers not only performs a single job, but also performs multiple jobs.
• In a computer, a task is implemented by a set of instructions and it is referred as a “program”.
• Programs are generally referred as “software”, software is component which controls the operations of computer.
  • In computer, software is created by the individual programmers or the software developers.
• The computer programs are designed and tested by the programmers.
• The programs can be generated by using various types of programming languages such as C, C++, java, Python and many others.
• The language statements are referred as “source program”. After the compilation of source program, it is referred as “object program”.

Explanation for incorrect options:

Compiler:

The compiler is software which is used to translate a high level language into a machine language.

Hence, the option “A” is wrong.

Interpreter:

The term interpreter is a program which is used to translate and run the instructions in a high level language program.

Hence, the option “C” is wrong.

Programming language:

The term programming language refers the name of languages which are used to create a program.

Hence, the option “D” is wrong.