A vocabulary and set of grammatical rules for instructing a computer to perform specific tasks. The term programming language usually refers to high-level languages, such as BASIC, C, C++, COBOL, FORTRAN, Ada, and Pascal. Each language has a unique set of keywords (words that it understands) and a special syntax for organizing program instructions.
High-level programming languages, while simple compared to human languages, are more complex than the languages the computer actually understands, called machine languages. Each different type of CPUhas its own unique machine language.
Lying between machine languages and high-level languages are languages called assembly languages. Assembly languages are similar to machine languages, but they are much easier to program in because they allow a programmer to substitute namesfor numbers. Machine languages consist of numbers only.
Lying above high-level languages are languages called fourth-generation languages (usually abbreviated 4GL). 4GLs are far removed from machine languages and represent the class of computer languages closest to human languages.
Regardless of what language you use, you eventually need to convertyour program into machine language so that the computer can understand it. There are two ways to do this:
1) compile the program
2) interpret the program
Recommended Reading: See compile and interpreter for more information about these two methods.
The question of which language is best is one that consumes a lot of time and energy among computer professionals. Every language has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, FORTRAN is a particularly good language for processing numerical data, but it does not lend itself very well to organizing large programs. Pascal is very good for writing well-structured and readable programs, but it is not as flexible as the C programming language. C++ embodies powerful object-oriented features, but it is complex and difficult to learn.
The choice of which language to use depends on the type of computer the program is to run on, what sort of program it is, and the expertise of the programmer.
High-level programming languages, while simple compared to human languages, are more complex than the languages the computer actually understands, called machine languages. Each different type of CPUhas its own unique machine language.
Lying between machine languages and high-level languages are languages called assembly languages. Assembly languages are similar to machine languages, but they are much easier to program in because they allow a programmer to substitute namesfor numbers. Machine languages consist of numbers only.
Lying above high-level languages are languages called fourth-generation languages (usually abbreviated 4GL). 4GLs are far removed from machine languages and represent the class of computer languages closest to human languages.
Regardless of what language you use, you eventually need to convertyour program into machine language so that the computer can understand it. There are two ways to do this:
1) compile the program
2) interpret the program
Recommended Reading: See compile and interpreter for more information about these two methods.
The question of which language is best is one that consumes a lot of time and energy among computer professionals. Every language has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, FORTRAN is a particularly good language for processing numerical data, but it does not lend itself very well to organizing large programs. Pascal is very good for writing well-structured and readable programs, but it is not as flexible as the C programming language. C++ embodies powerful object-oriented features, but it is complex and difficult to learn.
The choice of which language to use depends on the type of computer the program is to run on, what sort of program it is, and the expertise of the programmer.
Applications and Program development
Application and program development involves
programs you work with on a daily basis. For example, the Internet
browser you are using to view this web page is considered a program. If
you are interested in writing your own programs, you should consider the
following languages.
Artificial Intelligence or related fields involve creating the character interactions in computer games, portions of programs that make
decisions, chatbots, and more. If you're interested in writing your own AI, you should consider the following languages.
Database development
Database developers create and maintain databases.
If you're interested in creating your own database or maintaining other
databases, you should consider any of the following languages.
Game development
Game development involves the development of
computer games or other entertainment software. If you're interested in
writing your own games, you should consider the following languages.
Computer drivers or other hardware interface development
Computer drivers and programming hardware interface
support are a necessity for hardware functionality. If you're
interested in writing your own drivers or software interfaces for
hardware devices, you should consider the following languages.
Internet and web page development
Internet and web page development are the essence
of the Internet. Without developers, the Internet would not exist. If
you're interested in creating your own web pages, developing Internet
applications, or Internet related tasks, you should consider the
following languages.
Script development
Although it is not likely to become a career,
knowing how to create and develop scripts can increase productivity for
you or your company; saving you countless hours. If you're interested in
developing your own scripts, consider the following languages.
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