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Machine Language (1GL)
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 (2GL)
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.
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 considered to be closer to human beings. It is machine-independent.
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 high-level languages require a software called language processor or translator to
convert the instructions into machine language. There are three main categories of high-level
languages, which are third generation languages, fourth generation languages, and natural
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 it.
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. 4GL is fast and requires less time and
effort on the part of the programmer. In fact, 4GLs are so easy to use that programmers with
very little programming background can develop programs. Examples of 4GL are SQL, Perl,
Prolog, 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.
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Categories of Computers and Computer Languages

