System software categories: In computer organization, a “translator” (compiler or assembler) is best classified as which type of software?

Introduction / Context:
Software is commonly grouped into system software and application software. Translators such as compilers and assemblers convert human-readable code into machine code and therefore belong to the system layer that supports application development and execution.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• “Translator” refers to compilers/assemblers/interpreters.
• System software serves the computer system and other software.
• Applications solve end-user problems (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.).

Concept / Approach:
Translators enable application creation by converting high-level or assembly code into executable binaries. They interact closely with the OS, runtime libraries, and linkers—classic hallmarks of system software. They are not end-user applications, and certainly not hardware components.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Operating systems textbooks list compilers, assemblers, linkers, loaders, and debuggers as system software tools.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Application software: targets end-user tasks. Hardware component: not software. “All of the above”: mutually inconsistent categories.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “used by users” with “application”; developer-facing tools are still system software.

Final Answer:
a system software