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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.

            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.



                                                                                       21 st
                     Double Tap                                                      Century   #Information Literacy
                                                                                       Skills

                   Write the names of any three languages of third generation.

                   1. ___________________   2. ___________________   3. ___________________




                                                                                   #Introduction to Programming 111
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