Programming Languages

A programming language is a set of detailed instructions for a digital computer. Such instructions can be executed directly when they are in the numerical form known as machine language, after a simple substitution process when expressed in a corresponding assembly language, or after translation from some high-level language (HLL). Although there are over 2,000 computer languages, relatively few are widely used.

A machine language consists of the numeric codes for the operations that a particular computer can execute directly. Machine language is difficult to read and write, since it does not resemble conventional mathematical notation or human language, and its codes vary from computer to computer.

Assembly language is one level above machine language. It uses short mnemonic codes for instructions and allows the programmer to introduce names for blocks of memory that hold data. It is useful when such details are important, as in programming a computer to interact with input/output devices.

A high-level language isn't limited by the computer, designed for a specific job, and is easier to understand. It is more like human language. However, for a computer to understand and run a program created with a high-level language, it must be compiled into machine language.

Not any computer programming language can do anything. For example, if you're interested in creating your own database or maintaining other databases, you should consider any of the following languages: DBASE, FoxPro, MySQL, SQL or Visual FoxPro.

There are currently five generations of computer programming languages. In each generation, the languages syntax has become easier to understand and more human-readable.

First generation languages (abbreviated as 1GL) represent the very early, primitive computer languages that consisted entirely of 1's and 0's - the actual language that the computer understands (machine language).

Second generation languages (2GL) represent a step up from the first generation languages. Allow for the use of symbolic names instead of just numbers. Second generation languages are known as assembly languages. Code written in an assembly language is converted into machine language (1GL).

With the languages introduced by the third generation (3GL) of computer programming, words and commands (instead of just symbols and numbers) were being used. These languages therefore, had syntax that was much easier to understand. Third generation languages are known as "high level languages" and include C, C++, Java, and JavaScript, among others.

The syntax used in 4GL is very close to human language, an improvement from the previous generation of languages. 4GL languages are typically used to access databases and include SQL and ColdFusion, among others.

Fifth generation languages are currently being used for neural networks. A neural network is a form of artificial intelligence that attempts to imitate how the human mind works.

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 949