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Low-Level Language (LLL)
A low-level language is machine-dependent programming language. Programs written in a
low-level language are designed to run on just one type of computer and are not easily
transferred to other types of computer. There are two main categories of low-level languages:
Machine language and Assembly language.
Machine Language
Machine language is the only language understood by the computer. It is also known as 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
To address the challenges of machine language, assembly language was introduced. It is known
as a Second-Generation Language (2GL), it uses alphanumeric symbols called ‘Mnemonics’
rather than just 0s and 1s. In assembly language, programmers use abbreviations like A for
addition, C for compare, L for load, and M for multiply. This is why it is also referred to as a
‘Symbolic Language’.
High-Level Language (HLL)
A high-level language is a programming language that allows programmers to write programs
that are machine-independent. These languages are considered high-level because they are
closer to human languages than machine languages. High-level languages are easier to read,
write and maintain compared to low-level languages. They are divided into three main categories:
Third-Generation Languages, Fourth-Generation Languages, and Natural Languages.
Third Generation Languages (3GL)
In Third-Generation Languages (3GLs), programmers use English-like words to instruct the
computer on what to do and how to do it. These languages often include arithmetic operators
such as * for multiplication and + for addition, making programming simpler. Examples of early
procedural 3GLs include BASIC, PASCAL, C, and FORTRAN. More advanced object-oriented 3GLs
include C++, Java, and C#.
Fourth Generation Languages (4GL)
Fourth-Generation Languages (4GLs) also use English-like statements, but they focus on
what the program should achieve rather than how to do it. They are designed to be fast and
require less time and effort from the programmer. Because of their simplicity, even those
with minimal programming experience can develop programs using 4GLs. Examples include
SQL, Perl, Python etc.
Natural Languages (5GL)
Fifth-Generation Languages, also known as natural languages, use visual tools to develop
programs. For example, Mercury, OPS5 and Prolog.
12 TrackGPT iPRO (V5.0)-VI

