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A programmer writes a routine in a language whose statements use mnemonics such as ADD and MOV, one mnemonic usually mapping to one machine instruction, and uses an assembler to convert it. A second programmer writes in a language using English-like statements that are independent of the processor and needs a compiler. Which statement is correct?

The first programmer uses assembly language, a low-level, processor-specific language translated by an assembler, while the second uses a high-level, machine-independent language translated by a compiler. Machine language is binary and needs no assembler, so the other options misclassify them.

  1. AThe first uses a high-level language and the second uses a low-level language
  2. BBoth use machine language, differing only in the translator
  3. CThe first uses assembly language, a low-level language, and the second uses a high-level languageCorrect
  4. DThe first uses a fourth-generation language and the second uses binary code

Explanation

Assembly language uses mnemonics mapped nearly one-to-one to machine instructions, is processor-specific, and needs an assembler; it is low-level. English-like, machine-independent languages needing a compiler or interpreter are high-level. The first option reverses the categories.

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