The translator which performs macro calls expansion is called :
2015
The translator which performs macro calls expansion is called :
- A.
Macro processor
- B.
Micro pre-processor
- C.
Macro pre-processor
- D.
Dynamic linker
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Correct answer: C
Answer: Macro pre-processor
Explanation:
A macro pre-processor performs macro call expansion as a preprocessing step before compilation. It replaces macro invocations with their corresponding definitions (textual substitution).
The output of the macro pre-processor is source text with macros expanded; that output is then passed to the compiler.
Example: if a macro defines PI as 3.14, any occurrence of PI is replaced with 3.14 by the pre-processor before compilation.
Why the other choices are incorrect:
"Macro processor": This is an informal term and can be ambiguous. The standard and precise term for the translator that expands macros before compilation is macro pre-processor.
"Micro pre-processor": Not a recognized standard term in compiler design; likely a confusion with other terms.
Dynamic linker: Operates at link/load time to resolve symbols and link modules or libraries, not at the preprocessing stage for macro expansion.
Takeaway: The component responsible for expanding macros before compilation is the macro pre-processor.