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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.

                 Natural Languages (5GL)

                 The fifth generation languages, also known as natural languages are the programming languages
                 that have visual tools to develop a program. Examples of fifth generation language include Mercury,
                 OPS5, and Prolog. Natural language is very easy to use. Natural languages are often associated with
                 expert system and artificial intelligence.


                        LANGUAGE TRANSLATOR


                 A language translator is a software that converts a high-level language program into a machine

                 language. There are three types of language translators.

                      Assembler

                 An assembler is a program used to translate assembly language into machine language so that the
                 computer can understand it. The assembler enables the computer to convert the assembly language
                 instructions into machine code, i.e., 0’s and 1’s.


                      Compiler

                 A  compiler  is a  software that converts the entire  source program  into machine language before

                 executing it. It converts the entire high-level language program into machine language at once. It
                 displays the errors for the whole program together.

                      Interpreter

                 An interpreter is also a separate program that converts the entire source program into machine

                 language before executing it. It translates and executes one statement at a time. It displays the errors
                 one line at a time and it goes to the next line only after the error is corrected.






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