Generation of Programming

Languages
Last Updated : 01 Oct, 2024
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Programming languages have evolved significantly over

time, moving from fundamental machine-specific code to
complex languages that are simpler to write and
understand. Each new generation of programming
languages has improved, allowing developers to create more
efficient, human-readable, and adaptable software. The
transition from the first low-level languages to current, high-
level languages offered new tools and ideas that continue to
influence how we write software today.

Generations of Programming language

There are five generations of Programming languages. They
are:

First-Generation Languages :

First-generation languages, often known as machine

languages, are the simplest type of computer language. To
interface directly with a computer hardware, these
languages use binary code, which consists of 0s and 1.
Because machine languages are designed to be particular to
the architecture of the hardware, 1GL applications are
machine-specific and will only execute on the hardware for
which they were originally developed.

Second-Generation Languages :

Second-generation languages, known as assembly

languages, introduced human-readable notations, such as
mnemonics, that are easier to understand than binary code.
These languages still require conversion to machine code
through an assembler before execution. Assembly language
is used primarily for writing operating systems and device
drivers due to its close interaction with hardware.

Third-Generation Languages :

Third-generation languages, also known as procedural

languages, are high-level programming languages designed
to be more user-friendly by utilizing syntax similar to human
language. This makes it simpler for programmers to create
and understand code. Some well-known examples are C, C+
+, Java, FORTRAN, and PASCAL. Before execution, these
languages must be converted into machine code using a
compiler or interpreter.

Fourth Generation Languages :

Fourth-generation languages (4GL) are created to simplify

programming by using syntax that is more similar to
everyday human language. These languages allow users to
focus on specifying what tasks need to be done, without
needing to worry about the specific implementation details.
They are widely used for tasks such as database handling,
generating reports, and building graphical user interfaces
(GUIs). Some well-known examples are SQL, Python, Perl,
Ruby, and MATLAB.

Fifth Generation Languages :

Fifth-generation languages (5GL) represent the latest stage

in programming evolution and focus on visual programming
and artificial intelligence. These languages use visual tools
and constraint-based logic to create programs. Instead of
writing step-by-step instructions, the programmer defines
goals, and the system generates the code to achieve them.
Examples of fifth-generation languages are Prolog, OPS5,
and Mercury.
The first two generations are called low-level languages. The
next three generations are called high-level languages.
1. First-Generation Language :

The first-generation languages are also called machine

languages/ 1G language. This language is machine-
dependent. The machine language statements are written in
binary code (0/1 form) because the computer can
understand only binary language.
Advantages :
1. Fast & efficient as statements are directly written in
binary language.
2. No translator is required.
Disadvantages :
1. Difficult to learn binary codes.
2. Difficult to understand – both programs & where the error
occurred.

2. Second Generation Language :

The second-generation languages are also called assembler

languages/ 2G languages. Assembly language contains
human-readable notations that can be further converted to
machine language using an assembler.
Assembler – converts assembly level instructions to
machine-level instructions.
Programmers can write the code using symbolic instruction
codes that are meaningful abbreviations of mnemonics. It is
also known as low-level language.
Advantages :
1. It is easier to understand if compared to machine
language.
2. Modifications are easy.
3. Correction & location of errors are easy.
Disadvantages :
1. Assembler is required.
2. This language is architecture /machine-dependent, with a
different instruction set for different machines.

3. Third-Generation Language :

The third generation is also called procedural language /3

GL. It consists of the use of a series of English-like words
that humans can understand easily, to write instructions. It’s
also called High-Level Programming Language. For
execution, a program in this language needs to be
translated into machine language using a Compiler/
Interpreter. Examples of this type of language are C,
PASCAL, FORTRAN, COBOL, etc.
Advantages :
1. Use of English-like words makes it a human-
understandable language.
2. Lesser number of lines of code as compared to the above
2 languages.
3. Same code can be copied to another machine & executed
on that machine by using compiler-specific to that machine.
Disadvantages :
1. Compiler/ interpreter is needed.
2. Different compilers are needed for different machines.
4. Fourth Generation Language :

The fourth-generation language is also called a non –

procedural language/ 4GL. It enables users to access the
database. Examples: SQL, Foxpro, Focus, etc.
These languages are also human-friendly to understand.
Advantages :
1. Easy to understand & learn.
2. Less time is required for application creation.
3. It is less prone to errors.
Disadvantages :
1. Memory consumption is high.
2. Has poor control over Hardware.
3. Less flexible.

5. Fifth Generation Language :

The fifth-generation languages are also called 5GL. It is

based on the concept of artificial intelligence. It uses the
concept that rather than solving a problem algorithmically,
an application can be built to solve it based on some
constraints, i.e., we make computers learn to solve any
problem. Parallel Processing & superconductors are used for
this type of language to make real artificial intelligence.
Examples: PROLOG, LISP, etc.
Advantages :
1. Machines can make decisions.
2. Programmer effort reduces to solve a problem.
3. Easier than 3GL or 4GL to learn and use.
Disadvantages :
1. Complex and long code.
2. More resources are required & they are expensive too.

Conclusion
The evolution of programming languages over five
generations has significantly simplified and improved the
way humans interact with computers. While early languages
were machine-dependent and difficult to learn, each new
generation has introduced greater abstraction, ease of use,
and power. From 1GL’s binary code to 5GL’s AI and visual
programming tools, these languages have opened up new
possibilities for developers, making it easier to build more
complex and efficient software.

FAQs

1. How do 4GL and 5GL vary from one another?

4GL focuses on simplifying programming through

human-like language statements, while 5GL
involves AI-driven programming and visual tools
that automate code generation.

2. Why are 1GL and 2GL considered low-level

languages?

Both 1GL and 2GL languages interact closely

with machine hardware and are highly machine-
dependent. They require manual coding of
instructions at the hardware level.

3. What is an example of a fourth-generation

language (4GL)?

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a prime

example of a 4GL used for database
programming and manipulation.