Translator (computing): Difference between revisions

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A '''translator''' or '''programming language processor''' is a computer program that converts the programming instructions written in human convenient form into machine language codes that the computers understand and process. It is a generic term that can refer to a [[compiler]], [[assembler (computing)|assembler]], or [[interpreter (computing)|interpreter]]&mdash;anything that converts code from one computer language into another.<ref name="MCT"/><ref name="Intel_1983_SH"/> These include translations between [[high-level language|high-level]] and human-readable computer languages such as [[C++]] and [[Java (programming language)|Java]], intermediate-level languages such as [[Java bytecode]], [[low-level language]]s such as the [[assembly language]] and [[machine code]], and between similar levels of language on different [[computing platform]]s, as well as from any of these to any other of these.<ref name="MCT"/> Software and hardware represent different levels of abstraction in computing. Software is typically written in high-level programming languages, which are easier for humans to understand and manipulate, while hardware implementations involve low-level descriptions of physical components and their interconnections. Translator computing facilitates the conversion between these abstraction levels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beaulieu |first=Adrien |date=2022 |title=A15. Front-End and Back-End Technologies: The Importance of Proficiency in Multiple Programming Languages |url=https://product.house/front-end-and-back-end-technologies-the-importance-of-proficiency-in-multiple-programming-languages/}}</ref> Overall, translator computing plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between software and hardware implementations, enabling developers to leverage the strengths of each platform and optimize performance, power efficiency, and other metrics according to the specific requirements of the application.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pagadala |first=Santosh Kumar |date=2004 |title=Portable implementation of computer aided design environment for composite structures |url=https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2455&context=etd}}</ref> A particular academic journal that expands more on this is from (Stokoe, 2002) which speaks on the passage challenges preconceived notions and encourages in-depth reflection by deftly navigating the complex terrain of sign languages. Outlining the wide range of semiotic systems that are included by the phrase "sign language," it invites contemplation on the various forms that human communication may take, ranging from primitive gestures to complex language structures. The gap made between basic gestural communication and fully developed sign languages highlights the autonomy and complexity of these linguistic systems and serves as a painful reminder of their richness. Furthermore, the way in which sign languages are shown as essential cultural objects highlights the deep value that these languages have for deaf populations, mirroring the cultural variety that is entwined with linguistic variation. The historical account of the Milan Congress of 1880 serves as a warning, emphasizing the consequences of language persecution and the ongoing fight for linguistic rights among underprivileged groups. On the other hand, the recognition of bilingual techniques in modern research denotes a turn away from exclusivity and toward empowerment, acknowledging the inherent worth of sign languages in fostering linguistic proficiency and cognitive growth. In the end, the passage is a strong call to action, asking for a reconsideration of how society views sign languages and arguing for their proper position in the history of human communication.

== Programming Language Processors ==

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=== Assemblers ===

An assembler program functions by converting low-level assembly code into a conventional machine code that is readable by the CPU. The purpose of assembly language, like other coding languages, is to make the programming process more user-friendly than programming in machine language. Assembler languages utilize mnemonic devices and symbolic addresses to differentiate between opcode, operands, and specific memory addresses. Many of these components are not easily readable by humans and therefore mnemonics, symbols, and labels make the code decipherable. The assembler works by processing code one line at a time and then moves on to the next instruction. To eliminate issues that occur due to addressing locations, the translation process known as assembly is typically done in a two-pass process. The first pass of assembly is done in order to identify binary addresses that correspond to the symbolic names. This is essential in order to guide pass two which is the line-by-line translation into machine language.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last1=Patt |first1=Yale |title=Introduction to computing systems: From bits & gates to C/C++ & Beyond |last2=Patel |first2=Sanjay |publisher=McGraw-Hill |date=August 15, 2019 |isbn=978-1260150537 |edition=3rd |___location=New York, NY |pages=231–243}}</ref>

There are many commonly used assemblers in the world of computing that conduct the translation process. The type of assembler used by a developer is correlated to the specific processor architectures of the computer.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal |last=Stokoe |first=William |date=May 6, 2024 |title=sign language structure |url=https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/assembly-language/ |access-date=2024-03-15 |journal=Annual Review of Anthropology |volume=9 |pages=365–390 |doi=10.1146/annurev.an.09.100180.002053 |language=English}}</ref>

Commonly used assemblers include: