Computer Languages
Computer languages, also known as programming languages, are formal languages used to communicate instructions to a computer. These languages consist of a set of syntax rules and semantics for creating software programs. Computer languages can be classified into several categories, including machine languages, assembly languages, high-level languages, and fourth-generation languages. Each generation of computer languages represents a significant advancement in programming paradigms and ease of use.
Generations of Computer Languages
First Generation (1GL): Machine Language
- Definition: The most basic level of programming language, consisting of binary code (0s and 1s) that the computer’s central processing unit (CPU) can directly execute.
- Characteristics:
- Hardware-specific and difficult to read and write.
- Requires knowledge of the computer’s architecture.
- Example: A simple machine language instruction might look like
10110000 01100001.
Second Generation (2GL): Assembly Language
- Definition: A low-level programming language that uses mnemonic codes and labels to represent machine-level instructions.
- Characteristics:
- Easier to read and write than machine language.
- Requires an assembler to convert assembly code into machine code.
- Hardware-specific and still requires knowledge of the computer’s architecture.
- Example: An assembly language instruction might look like
MOV AL, 61h.
Third Generation (3GL): High-Level Languages
- Definition: High-level programming languages that are more abstract and easier for humans to read and write.
- Characteristics:
- Platform-independent (not hardware-specific).
- Requires a compiler or interpreter to convert high-level code into machine code.
- Supports structured programming, making code easier to understand and maintain.
- Examples: Fortran, COBOL, C, BASIC, Pascal.
- Fifth Generation (5GL): Fifth-Generation Languages
- Definition: Languages based on solving problems using constraints given to the program, rather than using an algorithm written by a programmer.
- Characteristics:
- Focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- Enable the creation of systems that can reason, learn, and make decisions.
- Examples: Prolog, LISP, and newer AI languages like Python (for AI and ML purposes).
- Example Code (Prolog):
likes(mary, food). likes(mary, wine). likes(john, wine).
Overview of Key Computer Languages
- Machine Language: Binary code directly executed by the computer’s CPU.
- Assembly Language: Mnemonics and labels for low-level programming, requires an assembler.
- Fortran: One of the oldest high-level languages, used primarily for scientific and engineering calculations.
- COBOL: Commonly used in business, finance, and administrative systems for companies and governments.
- C: A general-purpose programming language that has influenced many other languages, including C++, Java, and Python.
- BASIC: Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, designed for ease of use.
- Pascal: Designed for teaching programming and structured programming practices.
- Java: Platform-independent language known for its portability and widespread use in enterprise environments.
- Python: Known for its simplicity and readability, widely used in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and scientific computing.
- SQL: Specialized language for managing and querying relational databases.
- Prolog: Used in artificial intelligence and computational linguistics, focusing on logic and problem-solving.Example Code
- Fourth Generation (4GL): Fourth-Generation Languages
- Definition: High-level languages designed to be closer to human language and more abstract than third-generation languages.
- Characteristics:
- Often used for database querying, report generation, and other business-oriented tasks.
- Designed to increase productivity by allowing programmers to write instructions in a more concise and human-readable form.
- Examples: SQL (Structured Query Language), MATLAB, Oracle Reports.
- Example Code (SQL):sql
SELECT * FROM employees WHERE department = 'Sales';