Programming
Languages
The computer system is simply a machine and hence it cannot
perform any work; therefore, in order to make it functional different languages
are developed, which are known as programming languages or simply computer
languages.
Over the last two decades, dozens of computer languages have been
developed. Each of these languages comes with its own set of vocabulary and
rules, better known as syntax. Furthermore, while writing the computer
language, syntax has to be followed literally, as even a small mistake will
result in an error and not generate the required output.
Following are the major categories of Programming Languages −
- Machine
Language
- Assembly
Language
- High
Level Language
- System
Language
- Scripting
Language
Let us discuss the programming languages in brief.
Machine Language or Code
This is the language that is written for the computer hardware.
Such language is effected directly by the central processing unit (CPU) of a
computer system.
Assembly Language
It is a language of an encoding of machine code that makes simpler
and readable.
High Level Language
The high level language is simple and easy to understand and it is
similar to English language. For example, COBOL, FORTRAN, BASIC, C, C+, Python,
etc.
High-level languages are very important, as they help in
developing complex software and they have the following advantages −
· Unlike
assembly language or machine language, users do not need to learn the
high-level language in order to work with it.
· High-level
languages are similar to natural languages, therefore, easy to learn and
understand.
· High-level
language is designed in such a way that it detects the errors immediately.
· High-level
language is easy to maintain and it can be easily modified.
· High-level
language makes development faster.
· High-level
language is comparatively cheaper to develop.
· High-level
language is easier to document.
Although a high-level language has many benefits, yet it also has
a drawback. It has poor control on machine/hardware.
The following table lists down the frequently used languages −
