Page 101 - TP_Pluse_V2.2_Class_6
P. 101

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  (4GL)  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  (5GL) 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 languages are very easy to use and are often associated with

                 expert systems 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 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.






                                                                                        Introduction to Programming  99
   96   97   98   99   100   101   102   103   104   105   106