Page 109 - ConceptGP_C8_Fb
P. 109
Low-Level Language (LLL)
A low-level language is a programming language that is machine dependent. A program
written in machine dependent language runs only on one particular type of computer. There
are two categories of low-level languages:
Machine Language
Machine language is the only language understood by the computer. It is also known as
the first generation language (1GL). Machine language is very difficult for programmers to
use because it only consists of two digits, 0 and 1, called binary digits or bits. Where the bit '0'
represents the OFF state and the bit '1' represents the ON state.
Assembly Language
Assembly language is also known as second generation language (2GL). It is the language in
which program codes are written in the form of alphanumeric symbols called ‘Mnemonics’
instead of 0 and 1. In the assembly language, a programmer writes abbreviations such as A
for addition, C for compare, L for load, and M for multiply. Because of this feature, it is also
known as ‘Symbolic Language‘.
High-Level Language (HLL)
High-level language is a programming language that enables a programmer to write
programs that are machine independent. This type of languages are considered as
high-level languages because they are closer to human languages and away from machine
languages.
The main advantages of high-level languages over low-level languages is that they are easier
to read, write and maintain. Let's discuss about some high-level languages.
Third Generation Languages (3GL)
In third generation languages (3GL), the programmer writes a series of English like words
that tell the computer what to accomplish and how to do. Many third generation languages
also use arithmetic operators such as * for multiplication and + for addition. Some early
procedural 3GL are BASIC, PASCAL, C and FORTRAN. Some other advanced object-oriented
3GL are C++, Java, and C#.
Fourth Generation Languages (4GL)
The fourth generation languages also use English like statements. They specify what
the program should accomplish without explaining how. A 4GL is fast and requires less
time and effort on the part of the programmer. In fact, 4GLs are so easy to use and
programmers with very little programming background can develop programs. Examples
of 4GL are SQL, Perl, Python, etc.
Introduction to Python Programming 107

