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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. These English-like words and arithmetic

notations make it easy for a programmer to write the programs. Some early procedural 3GLs
are BASIC, PASCAL, C and FORTRAN. Some other advanced object-oriented 3GLs 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,

Prolog and OPS5. Natural languages are very easy to use.
Natural languages are often associated with expert systems and artificial intelligence. These systems
are popular in the medical and scientific fields but are not widely used in business applications.

Advantages of High-Level Languages
A high-level language is user-friendly.

A high-level language is similar to the English language with its vocabulary of words and symbols,
making it easier to understand and use for programming.
A high-level language requires less time to write a program.

A high-level language is easier to maintain.
A high-level language is problem-oriented rather than machine-based.

Programs written in a high-level language can be translated into machine language and therefore
they can be run on any computer with an appropriate translator.

A high-level language is machine-independent i.e., programs developed in high-level languages
can be run on any computer.

Disadvantages of High-Level Languages

A high-level language needs to be changed into machine language by a translator, which takes up
a lot of the computer's time.
The object code generated by a translator might be inefficient as compared to an equivalent

assembly language program.

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