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Python LEC 2

The document explains the classification of programming languages into high-level and low-level categories. Low-level languages, such as machine and assembly languages, are closer to machine code and offer high performance but are difficult to learn and not portable. In contrast, high-level languages, like Python and Java, are easier to use and maintain, making them suitable for application development, although they may execute slower than low-level languages.

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2 views2 pages

Python LEC 2

The document explains the classification of programming languages into high-level and low-level categories. Low-level languages, such as machine and assembly languages, are closer to machine code and offer high performance but are difficult to learn and not portable. In contrast, high-level languages, like Python and Java, are easier to use and maintain, making them suitable for application development, although they may execute slower than low-level languages.

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© © All Rights Reserved
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LEC-2:High-Level vs Low-Level Languages

1 INTRODUCTION
In computer programming, languages are classified based on how close they are to human
language or machine code. This classification helps us understand how we interact with the
computer and how the computer understands our instructions. The two main types of
programming languages are High-Level Languages and Low-Level Languages.

2 LOW-LEVEL LANGUAGES

2.1 DEFINITION:

Low-level languages are programming languages that are closer to machine code (binary). They
provide little or no abstraction from a computer’s instruction set architecture.

2.2 TYPES OF LOW-LEVEL LANGUAGES:

1. Machine Language:
o The most basic form of code, written in binary (0s and 1s).
o Directly executed by the computer’s CPU.
o Example: 10110000 01100001
o Difficult to write, read, and debug.
2. Assembly Language:
o A slight improvement over machine code.
o Uses symbolic code (mnemonics) like MOV, ADD, SUB to represent machine-level
instructions.
o Requires an assembler to convert to machine code.

2.3 ADVANTAGES OF LOW-LEVEL LANGUAGES:

 Fast execution and high performance.


 Full control over hardware and memory.
 Ideal for system software, device drivers, and embedded systems.

2.4 DISADVANTAGES:

 Hard to learn and write.


 Not portable (platform-dependent).
 Time-consuming to develop software.
3 HIGH-LEVEL LANGUAGES

3.1 DEFINITION:

High-level languages are closer to human languages and abstract away the hardware details.
They are designed to be easy to read, write, and maintain.

3.2 EXAMPLES:

 Python
 Java
 C++
 PHP
 JavaScript

3.3 FEATURES:

 Use of English-like syntax (e.g., print("Hello World"))


 Require a compiler or interpreter to run.
 Support for object-oriented, procedural, and functional programming.

3.4 ADVANTAGES OF HIGH-LEVEL LANGUAGES:

 Easy to learn and use.


 Faster software development.
 Portable across different platforms.
 Easier debugging and maintenance.

3.5 DISADVANTAGES:

 Slower execution compared to low-level languages.


 Less control over hardware.

4 CONCLUSION
Understanding the difference between high-level and low-level languages is essential in
choosing the right tool for programming tasks. High-level languages are best for application
development due to their simplicity and portability, while low-level languages are used when
performance and hardware control are critical.

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