Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Basics of computer languages

Machine Languages-The language of the CPU (The central processing unit of the computer, which does the "thinking"). The lowest level language, this is composed of 0's and 1's.

Assembly Languages-Abbreviations for machine language

High-Level Languages-Use program statements, words and algebra-type expressions. Developed in the 50's and 60's.

After a program is written in one of the high-level languages, it must be either compiled or interpreted.

A compiler program rewrites the program into language that the CPU can understand. A compiled program is generally considerably larger than the original.

An interpreter program translates the program statements into machine language one line at a time when the program runs. An interpreted program will be smaller than a compiled one, but will take longer to execute.

Fourth Generation Language (4GL)-Very high-level language. These are results oriented and include database query languages. There are fewer options for programmers, but the programs are much easier to write than in lower level languages. These too must be compiled or interpreted.

Natural Languages-5th Generation Languages-Not yet. Experts believe that in such a language statements look like normal sentences.

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