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Machine Language
Machine language is the only language understood by the computer. It is also known as the first LANGUAGE TRANSLATOR
generation language (1GL). Machine language is very difficult for programmers to use because A language translator is a software that converts a high-level language program into a machine
it only consists of two digits, 0 and 1, called binary digits or bits. Where the bit ‘0’ represents the language. There are three types of language translators:
OFF state and the bit ‘1’ represents the ON state.
ASSEMBLER
Assembly Language
An assembler is a program used to translate assembly language into machine language so that
Assembly language is also known as second-generation language (2GL). It is the language the computer can understand it. The assembler enables the computer to convert the assembly
in which program codes are written in the form of alphanumeric symbols called 'Mnemonics' language instructions into machine code, i.e., 0’s and 1’s.
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. COMPILER
A compiler reads an entire set of instructions written in a high-level language and then translates
HIGH-LEVEL LANGUAGE them into machine language. A major drawback of a compiler is that if there is an error in the
High-level language is considered to be closer to human beings. It is machine-independent. program, the programmer only comes to know after the entire program has been translated.
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 INTERPRETER
high-level languages require a software called language processor or translator to convert the An interpreter reads one line of instruction at a time and translates it into machine language. Any
instructions into machine language. Let’s discuss about some high-level languages. error in the instruction is reported immediately and the programmer can correct it accordingly.
It is slower than the compiler.
Third-Generation Languages (3GL)
In third-generation languages (3GL), the programmer writes a series of English like words that tell
the computer what and how to accomplish. 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. 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 languages
include Mercury, OPS5, and Prolog. Natural language is very easy to use. Natural languages are
often associated with expert systems and artificial intelligence.
uiz Bee Which language is also known as computer's native language?
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