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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. As computer can directly understand a program written in the
machine language hence, a machine language program does not require any translator to convert from
one form to another.
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’. The
Assembly language code gets converted into a Machine language code with the help of an Assembler
for the computer to understand.
High-Level Language (HLL)
High-level language is a programming language that enables a programmer to write programs that
are machine independent. These 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. They use keywords similar to English words, making coding more intuitive. Some
examples of HLL are- C, C++, Java, Java Script, Python, C#, PHP, etc. 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. For execution, a program in this language needs
to be translated into machine language using a Compiler/ Interpreter. 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 faster 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. It enables users to access the database. Examples of 4GL are
SQL, Perl, Python, and Prolog 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. It is based on the concept of artificial intelligence. Examples of
fifth generation languages include Mercury and OPS5. Natural languages are very easy to use. Natural
languages are often associated with expert system and artificial intelligence.
#Introduction to Programming 115

