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Programming Languages

Programming languages allow humans to provide instructions to computers. There are low-level languages that are close to machine code and high-level languages that are easier for humans to understand. Some common programming languages include BASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN, C, C++, Java, LISP, Pascal, Perl and PROLOG. Each language has different main uses and descriptions.

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39 views

Programming Languages

Programming languages allow humans to provide instructions to computers. There are low-level languages that are close to machine code and high-level languages that are easier for humans to understand. Some common programming languages include BASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN, C, C++, Java, LISP, Pascal, Perl and PROLOG. Each language has different main uses and descriptions.

Uploaded by

Regiene Divino
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Programming Languages

Programming language is a special notation or code in which the instructions for controlling a
computer are written. A programming language is similar to a natural language – it has its own
syntax, keywords, codes, and structure, and can be understood by other programmers who know
the language.
Programming languages can either be low-level languages or high-level languages.
• Low-level languages: Designed for specific computers and are machineoriented – it reflects its
internal machine code. Thus, it is quite hard to understand.
• High-level languages: Designed to answer the needs of the programmer. They are easy to
understand and are quite similar to languages such as English.

Examples: BASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN


The following is a Main uses Description
summary of some of the
most used programming
languages: Language
assembler languages requires detailed control fast and efficient but
of hardware, used for require considerable
internal computer effort and skill; has
control and operations small program size
BASIC (beginner’s all- used mainly in easy to learn, but being
purpose symbolic education, business, and nonstructured led to
instruction code) at home spaghettistyle code, but
later versions have
updated to structured
style
C systems and general fast, efficient, and widely
programming used, and popular
among professional
programmers
C++ systems and general developed from C,
programming; adding the advantages of
commercial software object-oriented
development programming and more
features such as streams
COBOL business programming oriented towards
(commonbusiness business and
oriented language) commercial applications;
not easy to learn as it is
quite wordy; widely used
on mainframes
FORTRAN (formula scientific, mathematical, based on mathematical
translation) and computational work formulas; popular
among engineers,
scientists, and
mathematicians
Java developed for consumer multipurpose, object-
electronics; used for oriented language
many interactive web similar to C++ but is
sites simpler; may also be
used in other platforms
LISP (list processing) artificial intelligence symbolic language that
is difficult to learn;
widely used in
universities
Pascal general-purpose highly-structured; easy
language to learn; and widely used
for teaching
programming in
universities
Perl (practical extraction systems programming text and files are easily
and report language) and web development handled
PROLOG artificial intelligence symbolic-logic
(programming in programming system, it
logic) was intended for
theorem solving but is
now used in artificial
intelligence

A program is a set of instructions given to a computer which the computer will do or follow.
• Programming is the act of preparing or writing a program (or set of instructions) using a
particular language, called a programming language, and having it run on a computer.
• A programmer is someone who does the programming, or the act of creating a program. It could
be you or someone who already knows how to program a computer.

Designing a Program
In designing a program there must always be a plan. Keep in mind the following points.
1. Determine your objective: Make sure that you know why you are writing the program. If your
objective is to solve a particular problem, then you should be able to define what the problem is.
2. Device a method to achieve your objective: Analyze the problem very carefully and come up
with a way to meet your objective or solve your problem using a logical solution. You can use
flowcharts for this purpose.
3. Write your solution or method as a computer program: Using a particular language, you can
now code the algorithm or logic flow that will enable you to achieve your objective.
4. Run and test the progress: You may now run and test the program to see if there are possible
errors. But the most important part of running the program is seeing if it achieves what you have
intended it to do and delivers what you expect it to accomplish.

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