Computer languages are formal systems used to instruct computers, categorized into machine languages, assembly languages, high-level programming languages, markup languages, query languages, and hardware description languages. Each type serves different purposes, from low-level machine code to user-friendly high-level languages and specialized markup or query languages. The choice of language depends on the specific application domain.
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Computer languages
Computer languages are formal systems used to instruct computers, categorized into machine languages, assembly languages, high-level programming languages, markup languages, query languages, and hardware description languages. Each type serves different purposes, from low-level machine code to user-friendly high-level languages and specialized markup or query languages. The choice of language depends on the specific application domain.
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Introduction to Computer Languages
A computer language is a formal system of communication used to
instruct a computer to perform specific tasks. These languages consist of symbols, syntax, and rules that define how instructions are written and executed.
Computer languages can be broadly categorized into programming
languages, markup languages, query languages, and more.
Types of Computer Languages
1. Machine Language (Low-Level)
The only language directly understood by a computer.
Written in binary (0s and 1s).
Example: 10110000 01100001 (Binary representation of an
instruction).
Fastest but difficult to write and debug.
2. Assembly Language (Low-Level)
Uses mnemonics instead of binary codes.
Requires an assembler to convert it into machine code.
Example:
sql
CopyEdit
MOV AX, 5
ADD AX, 3
Faster than high-level languages but hardware-dependent.
3. High-Level Programming Languages
More user-friendly, with English-like syntax.
Requires a compiler or interpreter to convert into machine code.
Types of High-Level Languages:
o Procedural Languages – Follows step-by-step procedures (e.g., C, Pascal).
o Object-Oriented Languages (OOP) – Uses objects and classes
(e.g., Java, Python, C++).
o Functional Languages – Uses mathematical functions (e.g.,
Haskell, Lisp).
o Scripting Languages – Used for automation and web
development (e.g., JavaScript, PHP, Python).
4. Markup Languages
Defines structure and presentation of documents.
Not for general-purpose programming.
Example:
o HTML – Web page structure.
o XML – Data representation.
5. Query Languages
Used to retrieve and manipulate data in databases.
Example: SQL (Structured Query Language)
sql
CopyEdit
SELECT * FROM users WHERE age > 25;
6. Hardware Description Languages (HDLs)
Used to design and simulate hardware circuits.
Example: VHDL, Verilog.
Conclusion
Computer languages play a crucial role in software and hardware
development. Choosing the right language depends on the application domain (web, mobile, AI, database, etc.). Would you like a comparison of different programming languages or a guide on how to start coding? 😊