Computer programming software includes compilers, debuggers, resource monitors, and integrated development environments. Compilers translate code into machine language, while debuggers test and monitor code. Resource monitors optimize system usage, and integrated development environments combine multiple tools for programming.
Different types of computer programming software are involved in each stage of developing a new program. Compilers do the essential job of translating human programming languages into machine language that can be processed by a computer. You can use other software to help you debug and monitor a program’s efficiency in performing specific tasks and using system resources. Integrated development environments combine many of these varieties of computer programming software into one cohesive product.
The most basic variety of computer programming software is the compiler. Programmers write code in a programming language, such as C++, Python or Basic. This code can usually be written using any type of text editor, although dedicated editors that provide color coding and bug-checking are very useful. Once this source code has been written, a compiler is used to translate it into a language that can be directly executed by a computer. In some cases, a decompiler can later be used to translate a program into human-readable source code.
Debuggers are a useful and common type of computer programming software. A debugger allows a programmer to test and monitor their code. Most allow you to partially compile and run the source code. This allows the debugger to monitor variable values, check pointer targets, and show the programmer precisely what instructions are being executed at any given time. This ability to execute code line by line makes tracking down small errors much easier.
Programmers also rely on applications that monitor the accuracy of their work. Some programs run different values through a program to ensure it generates the correct answers, especially in unusual or marginal cases. This is especially useful for determining what happens when a user provides incorrectly formatted input or input that falls outside the expected ranges of values.
All programs use system resources, and computer programming software exists to monitor how efficiently those resources are being used. These programs allow detailed examination of memory management, disk access, and network usage, among other things. These tools are especially useful for programmers designing applications to work on mobile devices where resources may be particularly scarce.
Integrated development environments are very powerful and popular tools. This type of computer programming software combines specially designed versions of several different programming tools. A typical example might include an editor for writing source code, a compiler, a debugger, some memory management tools, and a program for automatically generating draft documentation that explains how the software works.
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