Computer Program

This is what my Software Engineering program is about, understanding all levels of how a computer program works, from software program down to the machine code. Super interesting!

Layers of the Program

• Application software
  • Written in high-level language
• System software
  • Compiler: translates HLL code to machine code
  • Operating System: service code
    • Handling input/output
    • Managing memory and storage
    • Scheduling tasks & sharing resources
• Hardware
  • Processor, memory, I/O controllers

Levels of Program Code

High-level language

• Level of abstraction closer to problem domain
• Provides for productivity and portability

A Compiler converts this high-level language into Assembly language.

Assembly language

• Textual representation of instructions

An Assembler converts Assembly into Machine Language.

Hardware representation (Machine Language)

• Binary digits (bits)
• Encoded instructions and data