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Page 62 - 2612 Digimind C6
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    There are two categories of low-level languages:
                      •   Machine Language: It 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: It 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  Code’  instead  of 0 and 1.  In  the  assembly  language,  a programmer  writes
                          abbreviations such as A for addition, C for compare, L for load, M for Multiply, etc.

                      HIGH-LEVEL LANGUAGE

                      High-level  language  is considered  to  be closer to  human beings.  It is machine-independent
                      language.  However, they need  to  be  translated  into  binary  or machine  language.  Programs
                      written in high-level languages are called source code. Since the computer understands only 0s
                      and 1s, all high-level languages require a software called language processor or translator to
                      convert the instructions into machine language are also called object code. 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 do and how to accomplish it. Many third-generation languages also use
                      arithmetic operators, such as * for multiplication and + for addition. Some early procedural 3GLs
                      are BASIC, PASCAL, C and FORTRAN. Other advanced object-oriented 3GLs include C++, Java
                      and C#.

                      Fourth-Generation Languages (4GL)
                      Fourth-generation languages (4GLs) also use English-like statements. They specify what the
                      program should accomplish without explaining how. 4GLs are fast and require less time and effort
                      from the programmer. In fact, 4GLs are so easy to use that individuals with very little programming
                      background can develop programs. Examples of 4GLs include SQL, Perl and Python.

                      Natural Languages (5GL)
                      Fifth-generation  languages  (5GLs) use  natural  language  or visual  tools  to  create  programs.
                      They focus on specifying what the program should achieve rather than how to achieve it. 5GLs
                      are designed to be very user-friendly, allowing users with minimal programming experience to
                      develop complex applications. These languages are often employed in fields such as artificial
                      intelligence and expert systems. Examples of 5GLs include Mercury, OPS5 and Prolog.

                              uiz   Bee        Which language is also known as computer's native language?
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