History of

Programming
Language
Dj Salarzon
Topics and Agenda

• Evolution of Programming Language

• Characteristics of a Good Programming language
• Importance of Programming Language
• The First Programming Language
• History of Programming Language
• Programming Languages Over time
• Evolution of Programming Languages
• Old Programming Language still use until today
 Definition of Programming
Languages
A programming language is a formal system of communication used to write instructions that
a computer can understand and execute. It consists of syntax, semantics, and rules that enable
developers to build software, websites, applications, and more.
 Evolution of Programming
Languages
Programming languages have evolved significantly over time:
• First Generation (Machine Language): Direct binary code instructions for computers.
• Second Generation (Assembly Language): Uses mnemonics and is translated to machine code.
• Third Generation (High-Level Languages): Includes languages like C, Java, and Python that allow for easier programming.
• Fourth Generation (Declarative Languages): Includes SQL and MATLAB, focusing on what to do rather than how.
• Fifth Generation (AI and Logic-Based Languages): Used in artificial intelligence and expert systems, such as Prolog and
Lisp.
 Characteristics of a Good
Programming Language
• A good programming language should have the following qualities:
1. Readability: Easy to understand and write.
2. Efficiency: Executes tasks quickly and uses resources effectively.
3. Portability: Runs on different platforms without modification.
4. Flexibility: Adapts to various programming needs.
5. Security: Protects against vulnerabilities and unauthorized access.
6. Scalability: Supports large-scale applications without performance issues.
 Importance of Programming
Languages
• Programming languages are essential because they:
• Enable the development of software and applications.
• Drive automation, reducing human effort in repetitive tasks.
• Power modern technology, including web development, AI, and data analysis.
• Facilitate innovation, leading to new technologies and solutions.
• Enhance problem-solving by providing tools to address complex issues.
 The First Programming Language
Did you know that the first programming language was created in 1843?
• Ada Lovelace, a mathematician, designed the first-ever machine algorithm for an early computing
machine. Since computers did not exist at that time, she wrote the algorithm on paper. Her work
became the foundation for modern programming languages.
History of Programming Languages:
A Simple Timeline

1843 1949
Ada Lovelace’s Machine Algorithm – Created Assembly Language – Used in the Electronic
for Charles Babbage’s Difference Machine, Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC),
setting the stage for future programming making machine code easier to understand.
languages.

Shortcode – Suggested by John McCauley and

Plankalkül – Developed by Konrad Zuse, it was later implemented by William Schmitt, this
the first complete programming language, was the first high-level programming
allowing for reusable code blocks. language (HLL).

1944–1945 1949
 Popular Programming Languages Over Time:

1952 1958 1964 1972

Autocode – A simplified ALGOL, LISP – LISP BASIC – Created for Smalltalk, C, SQL – C
way to program early became widely used in beginners to learn became a foundation
computers. artificial intelligence. programming. for many modern
languages.

FORTRAN – Used for

scientific and PASCAL – Used in
mathematical COBOL – Designed for education and early Ada – Used in military
calculations. business applications. system development. and critical systems.

1957 1959 1970 1980–1981

1983 1990 1993
C++, Objective-C – C++ Haskell – A functional Ruby – Known for ease of use
introduced object-oriented programming language. and productivity.
programming.

Java, PHP, JavaScript – Java is

Python, Visual Basic – Python used for applications, PHP for
Perl – Used for scripting and text became popular for simplicity websites, and JavaScript for web
processing. and versatility. interactivity.

1987 1991 1995

2000 2009
C# – Developed by Microsoft for software Go – Created by Google for efficiency.
development.

Scala, Groovy – Used for web and enterprise Swift – Developed by Apple for iOS and macOS
applications. apps.

2003 2014
 Real-Life Applications of Programming
Languages

PYTHON: USED IN JAVA: POWERS ANDROID JAVASCRIPT: ENABLES C: ESSENTIAL FOR SQL: MANAGES DATABASES PHP: CREATES DYNAMIC
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, APPLICATIONS, BANKING INTERACTIVE WEB OPERATING SYSTEMS, IN BUSINESSES, WEB PAGES AND E-
DATA SCIENCE, AND SYSTEMS, AND ENTERPRISE APPLICATIONS. EMBEDDED SYSTEMS, AND HEALTHCARE, AND COMMERCE PLATFORMS.
AUTOMATION. SOFTWARE. PERFORMANCE-CRITICAL FINANCE.
APPLICATIONS.

SWIFT: DEVELOPS IOS

APPLICATIONS FOR APPLE
DEVICES.
The Evolution of Programming
Languages

• Programming languages have evolved significantly over time. Early languages were
primarily used for calculations and data processing, but modern languages focus on web
development, artificial intelligence, mobile applications, and cloud computing. The
demand for more efficient and user-friendly programming tools has led to the continuous
creation of new languages and frameworks.
Old Programming Languages Still in Use
Today

FORTRAN (1953): Created by IBM’s John Backus, it was the first optimized programming language
and is still used in scientific computing.

COBOL (1959): One of the earliest high-level programming languages, COBOL is still used in banking
and financial systems, handling most ATM transactions and in-person banking services in the U.S.

C (1972): Despite being over 50 years old, C remains widely used in system programming,
embedded systems, and operating system development.

SQL (1972): Essential for database management, SQL is still a key language in handling structured
data across industries.
The Future of
Programming
Languages

• The Future of Programming Languages

• The future of programming languages is shaped
by artificial intelligence, automation, and
quantum computing. Languages like Python
continue to grow due to their role in AI and data
science, while newer languages such as Rust
focus on security and performance. The field of
programming will keep evolving, making it an
exciting area to explore and innovate.
Questions to Ponder

HOW HAS PROGRAMMING WHY DO SOME OLDER WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES HOW DO MODERN WHAT MIGHT BE THE NEXT
CHANGED THE WAY PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES OF LEARNING MULTIPLE LANGUAGES LIKE PYTHON AND BREAKTHROUGH IN
BUSINESSES OPERATE TODAY? LIKE COBOL AND FORTRAN PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES? SWIFT IMPROVE UPON OLDER PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE
STILL EXIST? LANGUAGES? DEVELOPMENT?
 Fun Trivia About Programming Languages

The name Python was JavaScript and Java are FORTRAN, one of the oldest The first-ever computer bug C++ was initially called “C
inspired by the British completely different programming languages, is was an actual moth found with Classes” before it was
comedy group Monty languages, despite their still used in NASA’s inside a computer by Grace renamed.
Python, not the snake. similar names. supercomputers. Hopper.