In systems programming, which translator converts assembly language source code into executable machine code for a specific processor architecture?

Introduction / Context:
Low-level programming often uses assembly language, a human-readable notation closely tied to a CPU's instruction set. Turning this assembly into machine code requires the correct type of translator. Knowing whether a compiler, interpreter, or assembler is used is a fundamental software engineering concept.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Input language: assembly language (mnemonics like MOV, ADD, JMP).
• Target: machine code (binary opcodes and operands for the specific CPU).
• We need the translator that maps mnemonics and addressing modes directly to opcodes.

Concept / Approach:
An assembler reads symbolic assembly language and produces object code (machine code) by converting mnemonics to opcodes and resolving labels to addresses. A compiler targets machine code from high-level languages, and an interpreter executes code line by line without producing a standalone binary in the same way. A comparator is unrelated to translation; it compares data or files.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the source: assembly language.Match tool to task: assembly → assembler (not compiler/interpreter).Assembler outputs machine code and may generate listing and symbol tables.Therefore, the correct translator is the assembler.

Verification / Alternative check:
Toolchains typically run: assembler → linker → loader for assembly projects. High-level projects instead use compilers before linking. This pipeline confirms that assembly requires an assembler stage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Compiler: Translates high-level languages (e.g., C, Pascal) to machine code.
• Interpreter: Executes source statements directly or via bytecode, not pure assembly to binary.
• Comparator: Not a translator; used for comparisons.
• None of the above: Incorrect because assembler is exactly right.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming compilers handle assembly too; while some compilers accept inline assembly, assembling proper source files remains the assembler's role.

Final Answer:
Assembler