There are three types of language interpreters−Īssembler − Converts assembly level program into machine level program.
System software that converts source code to object code is called language processor. Set of instructions in machine readable form is called object code or machine code. Program written in high level programming languages like Java, C++, etc. Programs written using high level languages are easy to create, read and understand. High level language − This language uses English like statements and is completely independent of machines. Assembly level language is machine dependent. The complete instruction will also tell the memory address. For example, the word “READ” can be defined to mean that computer has to retrieve data from the memory. Mnemonics are English like words or symbols used to denote a long string of 0s and 1s. It is completely machine dependent.Īssembly-level language − This language introduces a layer of abstraction by defining mnemonics. Machine-level language − This language is nothing but a string of 0s and 1s that the machines can understand. When we talk of human machine interactions, languages are of three types − Language ProcessorĪs discussed earlier, an important function of system software is to convert all user instructions into machine understandable language. OS manages a computer’s basic functions like storing data in memory, retrieving files from storage devices, scheduling tasks based on priority, etc. OS is the first software to be loaded into computer memory when the computer is switched on and this is called booting. System software that is responsible for functioning of all hardware parts and their interoperability to carry out tasks successfully is called operating system (OS). And this is exactly what system software does.īased on its function, system software is of four types − Software is required to convert all human instructions into machine understandable instructions. English is the pre-dominant language of interacting with computers. 0 (absence of electric signal) and 1 (presence of electric signal) while humans speak in English, French, German, Tamil, Hindi and many other languages. Machines understand only binary language i.e. An interface is needed because hardware devices or machines and humans speak in different languages. System software acts as interface between hardware and user applications. Software required to run the hardware parts of the computer and other application software are called system software. A web browser enables the user to view and share web pages and multimedia files. Many programs functioning together to do a task make a software.įor example, a word-processing software enables the user to create, edit and save documents. A set of instructions that achieve a single outcome are called program or procedure. As you know, the hardware devices need user instructions to function.