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Types of Programming Language-2-4

Programming languages serve as a bridge between human understanding and computer processing, evolving from complex binary code to more efficient high-level languages. Low-level languages, such as machine and assembly code, offer direct control over hardware but are difficult to write, while high-level languages like Python and Java are easier to read and maintain but less efficient. Each generation of programming languages has distinct advantages and disadvantages that cater to different programming needs.

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4 views

Types of Programming Language-2-4

Programming languages serve as a bridge between human understanding and computer processing, evolving from complex binary code to more efficient high-level languages. Low-level languages, such as machine and assembly code, offer direct control over hardware but are difficult to write, while high-level languages like Python and Java are easier to read and maintain but less efficient. Each generation of programming languages has distinct advantages and disadvantages that cater to different programming needs.

Uploaded by

whiteglovespaintedred
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Levels of Programming Languages

Your notes
What is a programming language?
A programming language acts as a bridge between what humans understand and what
a computer understands
Early computers were complex and instructions would have to be in written in binary
code, 0s and 1s
This process was slow, taking days to program simple tasks
Over time, new generations of programming languages have enabled people to
become faster and more efficient at writing programs as they resemble human
language
Generations of programming languages can be split in to two categories:
Low-level
First generation
Second generation
High-level
Third generation

Low-Level Languages
What is a low-level language?
A low-level language is a programming language that directly translates to machine
code understood by the processor
Low-level languages allow direct control over hardware components such as memory
and registers
These languages are written for specific processors to ensure they embed the correct
machine architecture

First generation
Machine code is a first-generation language
Instructions are directly executable by the processor
Written in binary code

Second generation
Assembly code is a second-generation language
The code is written using mnemonics, abbreviated text commands such as LDA (Load),
STA(Store)

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Using this language programmers can write human-readable programs that
correspond almost exactly to machine code
Your notes
One assembly language instruction translates to one machine code instruction
Needs to be translated into machine code for the computer to be able to execute it
Advantages Disadvantages

Complete control over the system Difficult to write and understand


components

Occupy less memory and execute Machine dependent


faster

Direct manipulation of hardware More prone to errors

Knowledge of computer architecture is key to


program effectively

High-Level Languages
What is a high-level language?
A high-level programming language uses English-like statements to allow users to
program with easy to use code
High-level languages allow for clear debugging and once programs are created they are
easier to maintain
High level languages were needed due to the development of processor speeds and
the increase in memory capacity
One instruction translates into many machine code instructions
Needs to be translated into machine code for the computer to be able to execute it
Examples of high-level languages include:
Python
Java
Basic
C+

Advantages Disadvantages

Easier to read and write The user is not able to directly manipulate the
hardware

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Easier to debug Needs to be translated to machine code
before running
Your notes
Portable so can be used on any The program may be less efficient
computer

One line of code can perform multiple


commands

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