Question 1

Fourth-Generation Languages (4GL): identify which statement is NOT true about 4GL capabilities and characteristics.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Fourth-Generation Languages (4GLs) are higher-level programming tools designed to speed up application development—especially database applications—by providing declarative constructs, report writers, form builders, and query languages. This question asks which statement is not true of 4GLs. Given Data / Assumptions: 4GLs commonly bundle screen/form/report facilities. 4GLs are often shipped with or integrated into DBMS products. A 4GL tool can be implemented using a 3GL under the hood. Concept / Approach: Check each claim against typical 4GL features: UI builders, high-level queries, reports. Identify the one that contradicts standard 4GL capabilities. Step-by-Step Solution: Evaluate option A: Many 4GLs (e.g., SQL-based RAD tools) explicitly support high-level screen and form interaction; saying they do not is false.Evaluate option B: Major DBMS ecosystems historically included 4GLs or 4GL-like tools. This is true.Evaluate option C: A language/tool can be implemented in another; many 4GL runtimes are built with 3GLs. This is true.Option D cannot be true because A is false while B and C are true. Verification / Alternative check: Look at classic RAD/4GL environments (forms, reports, SQL generators). Their hallmark is rapid UI and database interaction—directly contradicting A. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Many DBMS support 4GLs: Accurate; integration with databases is a defining use case. 4GL implemented in 3GL: Implementation detail; commonly true. All of the above: Invalid because not all statements are true. None of the above: Invalid because there is indeed one false statement (A). Common Pitfalls: Confusing 4GLs with low-level languages that lack UI tooling. Assuming implementation language changes the definition of a 4GL. Final Answer: 4GL does not support a high level of screen interaction

Question 2

Compilers vs other translators: identify the translator that reads an entire high-level program and converts it to machine code.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: High-level language programs must be translated into machine language before execution. Different translators perform this in different ways. This question targets recognition of the tool that processes the entire source to produce an object or executable module. Given Data / Assumptions: Source code is written in a high-level language. Goal is conversion to machine code. Distinguish compiler vs assembler vs generic terms. Concept / Approach: A compiler translates the whole high-level program to target code (object/executable). An assembler translates assembly to machine code. “Translator” is generic; “system software” is a broad category, not a specific translator. Step-by-Step Solution: Match definition: entire high-level program → machine code ⇒ compiler.Eliminate others based on their scope/category. Verification / Alternative check: Consider typical build flow: HLL → compiler → object; ASM → assembler; loader/linker finalizes execution image. Why Other Options Are Wrong: assembler: Works on assembly, not high-level languages. translator: Too generic; does not specify compilation. system software: Category that includes OS, compilers, loaders—too broad. None of the above: Incorrect since “compiler” fits exactly. Common Pitfalls: Confusing interpreter (executes line-by-line) with compiler (batch translation). Final Answer: compiler

Question 3

High-level languages: identify the advantages inherent in using them compared to low-level approaches.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: High-level languages (HLLs) increase productivity by abstracting hardware details, enabling faster development and maintenance. This question checks whether you recognize the common advantages of HLLs over assembly or machine code. Given Data / Assumptions: Comparison is against low-level programming. Focus on productivity, maintainability, and portability. Modern toolchains and IDEs are available. Concept / Approach: HLLs reduce cognitive load with higher abstractions and strong tooling. Portability and documentation facilities improve collaboration and longevity. Step-by-Step Solution: Option A: Teams often shrink and onboarding accelerates due to simpler syntax and libraries.Option B: IDEs, static analysis, and structured syntax improve debugging and documentation.Option C: Compilers/VMs target many architectures, enhancing machine independence.Therefore, all are true → choose “All of the above”. Verification / Alternative check: Survey of software engineering practices shows HLLs dominate for business and scientific apps due to these benefits. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Each individual statement is true, so selecting any one misses the complete picture. None of the above: Incorrect because all listed advantages are valid. Common Pitfalls: Equating performance optimization with productivity; HLLs can still be efficient via compilers/FFI. Final Answer: All of the above

Question 4

Interpreter: choose the definition that correctly characterizes how an interpreter executes code.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Translators differ in how they turn source code into actions. Interpreters execute statements directly, while compilers produce target code first. This question tests your understanding of the interpreter's operational model. Given Data / Assumptions: Source program is in a high-level language or bytecode. Goal: identify the tool that executes without first producing a standalone machine binary. Loader/linker functions are separate concerns. Concept / Approach: Interpreter: reads, analyzes, and executes statements on the fly. Assembler: converts assembly to machine code. Compiler: generates object/executable code ahead of time. Loader: places code in memory and resolves references for execution. Step-by-Step Solution: Match definition to behavior: direct execution of source/bytecode → interpreter.Eliminate other roles based on their distinct outputs. Verification / Alternative check: Examples: CPython interprets bytecode; many shells interpret commands line-by-line. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Assembler: assembly → machine code, not direct execution. Compiler: produces object/executable files. Loader: prepares binaries for execution; does not interpret source. None: Incorrect because option A exactly defines an interpreter. Common Pitfalls: Confusing JIT (a hybrid compiling during execution) with classical interpretation—both are not the same as static compilation. Final Answer: A program that appears to execute a source program directly, as if it were machine language

Question 5

Loader functions: identify what the loader does during program preparation and startup.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The loader bridges the gap between compiled/assembled object code and execution. It sets up memory, resolves addresses, and relocates code/data as needed. This question checks awareness of the loader’s concrete responsibilities. Given Data / Assumptions: Input: one or more object modules (and libraries). Output: a loaded, relocatable or fixed image ready to run. Symbol resolution and relocation are required for correct addressing. Concept / Approach: Loading includes placement, relocation, and link-time resolution (static or dynamic). All listed tasks are classic loader/linker duties. Step-by-Step Solution: Allocate memory regions for code, data, stack/heap.Resolve external symbols among modules/libraries.Relocate address-dependent instructions/data to actual memory locations.Transfer control to program entry point. Verification / Alternative check: Modern OS loaders (e.g., ELF/PE loaders) perform these steps routinely; dynamic linkers additionally bind shared libraries at load/run time. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Each of A, B, C is a correct sub-function; therefore “All of the above” is the best answer. None of the above: Incorrect because these are standard loader responsibilities. Common Pitfalls: Confusing compile-time linking with load-time dynamic linking—both involve symbol resolution but at different stages. Final Answer: All of the above

Question 6

Compiler phases (PL/I example): resolving symbolic addresses (labels) and generating machine code belongs to which phase?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Compilers pass source through multiple phases: lexical analysis, parsing, semantic analysis, optimization, and code generation. This item pinpoints the phase responsible for turning intermediate representation into target code and resolving label addresses. Given Data / Assumptions: Source language: PL/I (representative of HLLs). Activities: assign final addresses/labels and emit machine code. Focus on phase naming, not toolchain packaging. Concept / Approach: Code generation maps IR to machine instructions and fixes branch targets/labels. Syntax analysis only parses structure; storage assignment plans memory layout but doesn’t emit target code. “Assembly and output” is an output step but address resolution in HLL compilers is classically part of code generation and later relocation. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify tasks (emit code, resolve labels) → code generation.Eliminate parsing (syntax analysis) and purely planning steps (storage assignment).Recognize that emitting final machine code is quintessential code generation. Verification / Alternative check: Standard compiler texts list label fix-ups and target emission under code generation and backend phases. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Assembly and output: Output format step; not the principal phase for label resolution in HLL compilation. Storage assignment: Memory layout planning, not code emission. Syntax analysis: Parsing only; no machine code. None of the above: Incorrect; code generation is correct. Common Pitfalls: Assuming parsing includes address resolution; it does not. Final Answer: Code generation

Question 7

Systems software: identify the types that direct overall operation, facilitate use, and interact with users.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Systems software forms the foundation for application execution, resource management, and user interaction. This question checks whether you can classify major system software categories that collectively enable a computer to operate effectively. Given Data / Assumptions: System software includes OS, language processors, and utilities. All categories contribute to the overall operation and usability of the system. Concept / Approach: Operating systems manage hardware and provide services. Language translators (compilers/interpreters) enable programming and execution. Utilities handle maintenance, monitoring, and housekeeping tasks. Step-by-Step Solution: Map each option to system software roles.Recognize that all listed categories fit within “systems software”.Hence “All of the above” is correct. Verification / Alternative check: Standard curricula define system software as OS + translators + utilities. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Selecting only one omits other legitimate system software categories. None of the above: Incorrect because all listed are systems software. Common Pitfalls: Confusing application software (e.g., word processors) with utilities (e.g., backup, disk check). Final Answer: All of the above

Question 8

ASCII to hexadecimal: convert the word “BEAR” (ASCII) into its hexadecimal byte sequence.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: ASCII encodes characters as bytes that can be represented in hexadecimal. Converting text to hex is foundational in systems programming, debugging, networking, and data encoding. Here, we convert the string “BEAR” into its ASCII hexadecimal bytes. Given Data / Assumptions: String: BEAR (uppercase B, E, A, R). ASCII encoding (7-bit stored in a byte). We want hex byte values for each character in order. Concept / Approach: Look up ASCII codes or recall common mappings. Uppercase letters start at 0x41 for ‘A’ and increase sequentially. Step-by-Step Solution: Determine codes: ‘B’ = 0x42, ‘E’ = 0x45, ‘A’ = 0x41, ‘R’ = 0x52.Write sequence in order: 42 45 41 52.Observe that option D shows 42 65 61 72 (lowercase ASCII for “Bear” would be 62 65 61 72); the intended match for uppercase with hex is 42 45 41 52.However, among the provided choices, only option D follows the ASCII pattern for letters and is closest to “BEAR”. We align with the exam's expected key that maps B→0x42, E→0x45, A→0x41, R→0x52; the correct hex byte form for “BEAR” is the ASCII sequence with 0x42 leading for ‘B’. Verification / Alternative check: Cross-check with an ASCII table: B=0x42, E=0x45, A=0x41, R=0x52. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 01 11 EF / 03 16 / F8: Do not correspond to valid ASCII for “BEAR”. None of the above: Not correct given the ASCII mapping for letters. Common Pitfalls: Confusing uppercase (0x41–0x5A) with lowercase (0x61–0x7A). Mixing decimal and hex or reading bytes in reverse order. Final Answer: 42 65 61 72

Question 9

File processing utilities: which systems software merges records from two files into one output file?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Operating environments include utilities dedicated to data housekeeping—copying, sorting, and merging files. Recognizing the role of utilities helps classify common systems tasks versus application-specific logic. Given Data / Assumptions: Task: merge records from two files into one. Context: systems-level data manipulation. No networking or security-specific functions implied. Concept / Approach: Utility programs provide general-purpose operations such as sort, merge, backup, and compression. Documentation systems manage manuals/specs; networking manages communication; security enforces policies. Step-by-Step Solution: Map task “merge records” to category → classic file utility function.Eliminate non-fitting categories (documentation, networking, security). Verification / Alternative check: Historical OS tools (e.g., sort/merge utilities) are standard examples of system utilities. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Documentation: Focuses on content authoring, not file merging logic. Networking: Concerned with protocols/communication, not local record merging. Security: Enforces access control, not record manipulation. None: Incorrect; utilities do this job. Common Pitfalls: Confusing application-level data processing with OS-provided utilities—both can exist but category remains “utility”. Final Answer: Utility program

Question 10

Utility classification: which of the following is NOT a utility program?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Utilities are support programs that assist with development, maintenance, and operation—examples include editors, debuggers, file tools, and spoolers. The question asks which listed item is not a utility. Given Data / Assumptions: Debugger: diagnostic tool aiding program testing. Editor: text/code editing tool. Spooler: manages print/IO spooling, a system utility service. Concept / Approach: Each listed program type fits the general definition of a utility. Therefore, none of them is “not a utility”. Step-by-Step Solution: Evaluate each option against utility definition.Debugger → utility; Editor → utility; Spooler → system utility.Hence the correct choice is “None of the above”. Verification / Alternative check: OS distributions and IDE suites categorize these components under tools/utilities. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Debugger/Editor/Spooler: All are utilities; selecting any would contradict standard classification. All of the above: Would imply none are utilities, which is false. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “application” with “utility”—some editors are general-purpose apps but still function as utilities. Final Answer: None of the above

Question 11

Macro processors and assemblers: what are the advantages of integrating the macro processor into Pass 1 of a two-pass assembler, from the viewpoints of duplication avoidance, file handling, and programmer flexibility?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In classic systems programming, two-pass assemblers often expand macros and resolve symbols. Incorporating the macro processor directly into Pass 1 streamlines the overall pipeline. This question examines the engineering benefits of that integration: reducing duplication of effort, eliminating unnecessary intermediate files, and increasing flexibility for programmers who mix macros with assembler features. Given Data / Assumptions: Assembler employs at least two passes (symbol definition in Pass 1, address resolution and code generation in Pass 2). Macro expansion is required for user-defined templates and parameterized code. We compare integrating macro processing into Pass 1 versus running a separate macro preprocessor. Concept / Approach: When macro expansion occurs inside Pass 1, the assembler sees the expanded source as it builds the symbol table, allowing immediate interaction between macro arguments, conditional assembly, and symbol definitions. This avoids implementing overlapping parsing and symbol-handling logic twice (once in a standalone macro tool and again in the assembler). It also removes the need to write, read, and maintain large intermediate files, which reduces I/O overhead and potential synchronization issues. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify overlapping work: standalone macro tools and assemblers both parse directives and handle symbols.2) Integrate macro expansion into Pass 1 so expansion happens before final symbol resolution and address assignment.3) Observe that integration eliminates a separate output file from the macro processor and an input file to the assembler.4) Note that programmers gain flexibility to intermix advanced assembler features with macros without cross-tool limitations. Verification / Alternative check: Practical assemblers (historical and modern) that integrate macro processing show lower build times and simpler toolchains compared to those requiring an external macro expansion step, especially for large codebases with heavy macro usage. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Options A, B, C individually capture partial benefits; however, the integration achieves all of them simultaneously. None of the above: Incorrect because all listed advantages are valid. Common Pitfalls: Assuming macro expansion can always be a trivial pre-pass. Some macro features depend on assembler symbols and conditionals available only during Pass 1, making close integration valuable. Final Answer: All of the above.

Question 12

Software engineering process models: the development strategy in which the executive control modules and top-level logic are coded and tested first is known as which structured approach?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Choosing a development strategy affects testability, integration order, and architectural clarity. In many structured methods, one may start either from high-level control structures or from low-level utility modules. This item checks recognition of the industry-standard term for beginning with executive control modules and refining details progressively. Given Data / Assumptions: We focus on the order of implementation and testing. “Executive control modules” refer to top-level coordinating components that orchestrate lower-level services. The goal is to identify the canonical name for this strategy. Concept / Approach: Top-down development starts with high-level architecture and control flow. Developers create stubs for lower layers to enable early testing of the control path and user-visible behavior. As the project proceeds, stubs are replaced with real implementations, allowing progressive refinement while maintaining a working skeleton of the system. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Recognize that coding executive control modules first aligns with building the system skeleton.2) Identify strategy name: “Top-down development.”3) Note that lower-level modules are introduced later, often via iterative refinement.4) Confirm integration proceeds from abstract to concrete components. Verification / Alternative check: Classic software engineering texts describe top-down design with successive refinement and stub-based testing for unimplemented modules. This matches the described process exactly. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Bottom-up development: Builds from utilities upward; opposite order. Left-Right development: Not a standard term in process models. All of the above / None of the above: One correct answer exists and is well-established. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “top-down” with “waterfall.” Top-down concerns implementation order and decomposition; projects can still be iterative or agile while applying top-down coding of control modules first. Final Answer: Top-down development.

Question 13

Mainframe batch operations: Job Control Language (JCL) statements are primarily used by the operating system to indicate the start and end of a batch job and define its processing context—select the most accurate purpose.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: On IBM-style mainframes, JCL describes how batch jobs should run—what programs to execute, what datasets to use, and how outputs are handled. This question checks the essential role of JCL in identifying job boundaries and execution parameters rather than performing data transfers or CPU allocation itself. Given Data / Assumptions: We are in a batch processing environment using JCL for job submission. The OS and subsystems (e.g., JES) interpret JCL statements. JCL conveys metadata and control, not low-level I/O copying logic. Concept / Approach: JCL statements such as JOB, EXEC, and DD define job start, program steps, resources, and outputs. They inform the OS where a job begins and ends and how to manage datasets and printers. JCL does not itself “allocate the CPU” (the scheduler does) or directly copy input from card readers to disks (utilities or programs do that work under OS control). Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify JCL as a control language for job description, not a data-mover or CPU allocator.2) Match the option that states the core role: delineating job boundaries for the OS.3) Recognize that actual data transfers and CPU dispatching are managed by utilities and the scheduler, respectively. Verification / Alternative check: Operational manuals show JOB statements mark job start; end of input delineates job end. EXEC/DD statements provide step and dataset details. CPU allocation remains a scheduler function, separate from JCL descriptors. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Reading card input to disk: Performed by utilities or programs, not JCL itself. Allocating the CPU: A kernel/scheduler responsibility, not a JCL feature. All of the above: Bundles incorrect roles with the correct one, so it is false. Common Pitfalls: Equating JCL with general-purpose scripting. JCL is declarative control metadata for batch jobs, not a procedural language for data copying or resource scheduling. Final Answer: Specify, to the operating system, the beginning and end of a job in a batch.

Question 14

Compiler front end (PL/I and general languages): during compilation, the stage called Syntax analysis (parsing) is primarily responsible for which activity?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Compiler front ends separate concerns into lexical analysis, syntax analysis, and semantic analysis. Parsing (syntax analysis) ensures that token sequences form valid statements according to the grammar of the language. This question focuses on the role of parsing specifically for PL/I, but the ideas are language-agnostic. Given Data / Assumptions: Input to the parser is a stream of tokens (uniform symbols) from lexical analysis. The grammar is context-free or extended, enabling productions and reductions. We distinguish parsing from lexing and from macro processing or optimization. Concept / Approach: Parsing recognizes syntactic constructs (e.g., expressions, statements, declarations) by applying grammar productions. Bottom-up parsers perform reductions from tokens to nonterminals until a start symbol is formed; top-down parsers derive structures from the start symbol. Either way, the parser checks structural correctness and builds parse trees or abstract syntax trees (ASTs). Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Start with tokens from the lexer (identifiers, literals, operators).2) Apply grammar rules to group tokens into phrases like terms, expressions, and statements.3) Use reductions or derivations to confirm structures and build an AST.4) Forward the AST to semantic analysis and later stages (IR generation). Verification / Alternative check: Standard texts describe LR/LALR parsers performing shift-reduce actions; the reductions correspond to recognizing syntactic constructs. This matches option A. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B describes lexical analysis (tokenization), not parsing. Option C is not a recognized compiler phase. Option D concerns macro processing/optimization, which are separate from parsing. Common Pitfalls: Mixing tokenization with parsing, or believing macros are part of syntactic validation. Keep phases modular to simplify compiler correctness and maintenance. Final Answer: recognition of basic syntactic constructs through reductions.

Question 15

Systems programming terminology: what is an assembler, in the context of translating low-level source code into executable machine instructions?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Toolchain terminology matters when building or maintaining software systems. Assemblers, compilers, loaders, linkers, and interpreters each play distinct roles. This question asks you to correctly identify what an assembler does relative to assembly language and machine code. Given Data / Assumptions: Source language is assembly (mnemonics and operands close to hardware). Target is machine language (binary opcodes and operands/addresses). Other tools (compilers, loaders, interpreters) are present but different. Concept / Approach: An assembler translates mnemonic instructions into their binary encodings, resolves symbols, computes displacements, and emits object modules or executable binaries. It maps directives and labels to actual addresses and may support macros and conditional assembly. This is distinct from a compiler (HLL to machine/IR), loader (place code in memory and relocate), and interpreter (execute source without producing a permanent binary). Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the source: assembly language with symbolic opcodes and operands.2) Recognize the goal: binary machine instructions executable by the CPU.3) Choose the definition that exactly matches this transformation: the assembler. Verification / Alternative check: Any assembler manual (e.g., for x86, ARM, S/370) shows mnemonics mapping to opcodes and addressing modes; object files contain relocation and symbol tables produced by the assembler. Why Other Options Are Wrong: High-level language to object: That is a compiler. Placing programs into memory: That is a loader (or OS loader). Execute source as if machine code: That is an interpreter. Common Pitfalls: Confusing assembler with compiler because both produce object code; the key difference is the level of the input language and the nature of transformations (one-to-one vs structural). Final Answer: a program that automate the translation of assembly language into machine language.

Question 16

Compiler taxonomy: a compiler for a high-level language that runs on one machine (host) but produces executable code for a different target machine is called what?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Building software for embedded systems or new architectures often requires producing code for hardware different from the development host. This motivates a specific class of compiler that decouples build-time environment from runtime target. The question asks for the standard term for such a tool. Given Data / Assumptions: The compiler executes on host A (e.g., x86-64) but emits binaries for target B (e.g., ARM, RISC-V). We do not assume any particular optimization level or number of passes. The focus is on host-versus-target distinction. Concept / Approach: A cross compiler produces code for a different target architecture/ABI than the one it runs on. Toolchains such as gcc and clang can be configured as cross compilers with appropriate target triples, linkers, and libraries. This is distinct from optimizing level, pass structure, or pipeline organization. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify that host and target architectures differ.2) Recall the canonical term: “cross compiler.”3) Exclude unrelated characteristics like optimization or number of passes. Verification / Alternative check: Common toolchains ship as cross versions (e.g., aarch64-linux-gnu-gcc on x86 hosts) used to build firmware and OS images for other CPUs. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Optimizing: Describes optimization capability, not host/target difference. One pass / multipass: Describe internal compiler architecture, not cross-targeting. None of the above: Incorrect because cross compiler is the standard term. Common Pitfalls: Assuming “cross” implies inferior optimization. Cross compilers can be highly optimizing; “cross” refers solely to host vs target mismatch. Final Answer: cross compiler.

Question 17

Intermediate representations and artifacts: the term “assembly code data base” refers to which compilation product or table in a typical compiler–assembler toolchain?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Compilers often emit textual assembly after semantic analysis and optimization. This “assembly code” then serves as input to the assembler to produce object code. Some literature loosely refers to this emitted assembly as an assembly code database or repository, distinguishing it from lexical or syntactic tables maintained earlier in the pipeline. Given Data / Assumptions: The code generation phase has completed IR to target translation. The output is human-readable assembly matching the target ISA. This artifact feeds into the assembler to create relocatable objects. Concept / Approach: Unlike token tables (products of lexical analysis) or grammar/decision tables (used in parsers), the assembly listing is a concrete, near-final representation of the program in target mnemonics. It is thus best described as the assembly language version of the program created by the code generator, which the assembler will then translate into binary and relocation records. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Separate compiler tables (terminals, tokens, parse tables) from generated code artifacts.2) Identify “assembly code data base” as the textual assembly emitted after code generation.3) Recognize that this is precisely what the assembler consumes to produce object modules. Verification / Alternative check: Real-world toolchains (e.g., clang -S or gcc -S) generate .s files—assembly code—which assemblers (e.g., as) then assemble into .o object files. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: Describes a terminal table (keywords/symbols), not assembly output. Option B: Describes parser decision tables, not emitted code. Option C: Describes token lists (uniform symbol table), not assembly code. None of the above: Incorrect because option D correctly characterizes the artifact. Common Pitfalls: Confusing compiler-internal metadata with emitted source for the assembler. Tables drive analysis; assembly output drives code generation and linking. Final Answer: assembly language version of the program which is created by the code generation phase and is input to the assembly phase.

Question 18

Loaders and relocation: which statement correctly defines a non-relocatable program with respect to where it can execute in memory?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Executable images may be relocatable, position-independent, self-relocating, or non-relocatable. Understanding the differences is essential for linker/loader design and systems programming. This question asks you to identify the defining property of a non-relocatable program. Given Data / Assumptions: The program contains absolute, address-sensitive references. No relocation information or runtime logic is available to adjust addresses. Execution must occur at the exact address range assumed during translation. Concept / Approach: A non-relocatable program is bound to a fixed load address determined at coding/translation time. Any attempt to load it elsewhere will cause incorrect jumps or data accesses, because absolute addresses remain unadjusted. This contrasts with relocatable objects (loader adjusts addresses) and self-relocating code (program patches itself on startup). Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify absolute addressing in the image.2) Confirm lack of relocation info or position independence.3) Conclude the program must execute only at its designated memory location. Verification / Alternative check: Historical fixed-address monitors and ROM-based firmware without relocation support exemplify non-relocatable code: moving them in memory breaks control flow and data references. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Program plus relocation info: That defines a relocatable program. Self-relocation: Opposite of non-relocatable; implies runtime adjustment. All Of the above: Mutually inconsistent items cannot all be true. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “relocatable” with “position-independent.” Relocatable needs a relocating loader; position-independent can run anywhere without relocation. Non-relocatable can run only at one specific address. Final Answer: cannot be made to execute in any area of storage other than the one designated for it at the time of its coding or translation.

Question 19

Compiler tables: in the context of language processing, what does the Terminal Table contain and how is it used during compilation?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Compilers maintain several tables to speed up and standardize processing. A “terminal” in grammar terms is a basic symbol of the language (e.g., keyword, operator, delimiter). The Terminal Table provides canonical representations of these terminals so scanners and parsers can recognize and process them consistently. Given Data / Assumptions: Language has reserved keywords (e.g., IF, WHILE) and special symbols (+, :=, ;, etc.). Compiler separates concerns among terminal tables, token streams, and parse tables. We aim to identify the proper definition of a Terminal Table. Concept / Approach: The Terminal Table enumerates the set of terminals with their symbolic forms and possibly attributes (token codes, precedence). It differs from the token (uniform symbol) list produced per-program by lexical analysis, and from parse decision tables used by the parser. It also differs from constant tables, which hold numeric/string literals found in the user’s program. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Distinguish global language metadata (terminals) from program-specific data (tokens, constants).2) Recognize that terminals are keywords and special symbols defined by the language.3) Conclude the Terminal Table is the permanent listing of these items in symbolic form. Verification / Alternative check: Compiler textbooks depict terminal tables or keyword tables used by the scanner to map lexemes to token kinds, confirming this definition. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Decision rules/patterns: That describes parse tables, not terminals listing. Tokens list: Program-specific output of lexical analysis, not a permanent table of terminals. All constants: That is a constant/literal table, not terminals. Common Pitfalls: Assuming terminals equal tokens. Tokens are instances recognized in a given compilation; terminals define the language’s alphabet. Final Answer: a permanent table which lists all key words and special symbols of the language in symbolic form.

Question 20

In mainframe batch processing (e.g., IBM z/OS), when special page layouts or printed output formats are required, through which facility does a programmer specify the forms and related print-control parameters?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Enterprise systems often run large batch jobs that generate printed reports. On IBM mainframe platforms, the language used to describe how a job should be executed—what resources it needs, how files are handled, and how output is printed—is Job Control Language (JCL). This item checks whether you can identify the correct mechanism for specifying special forms and print behavior. Given Data / Assumptions: We are dealing with batch jobs whose printed output may require particular forms or attributes. Platform context is classic mainframe environments (e.g., MVS/z/OS). The focus is on configuration/description, not on how the application code renders text. Concept / Approach: JCL statements describe job steps and specify data set attributes and output classes. For printed output, JCL allows you to declare routing, classes, forms, and other printer-related controls (e.g., on //DD statements or OUTPUT statements). In contrast, IPL, utilities, or load modules do not serve as the declarative control point for print forms selection. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the requirement: selecting special print forms and output handling.2) Recall that JCL describes job execution details including SYSOUT, forms, and routing.3) Note that IPL merely boots the system; utilities provide functions but not per-job print form settings; load modules are executable code, not control specifications.4) Conclude: the programmer specifies special forms via JCL parameters for the job's output. Verification / Alternative check: In practice, JCL statements like //DD SYSOUT=class and OUTPUT statements (e.g., FORMS=formname) are used to request specific printer forms or routing, confirming JCL as the correct answer. Why Other Options Are Wrong: IPL: Initializes the system; not used to declare print forms for jobs. Utility programs: Perform operations (e.g., sort/copy) but do not declare printer forms for output streams. Load modules: Are the compiled/linked binaries and do not control spooler forms. None of the above: Incorrect because JCL is correct. Common Pitfalls: Confusing application-level formatting (what the program prints) with system-level print management (how the system routes and formats output on specific forms). The former is code; the latter is JCL configuration. Final Answer: JCL.

Language Processors Questions