Programming Languages

Programming Languages

What is a programming language?

• A programming language is a set of words, codes, and symbols that allow a programmer to give instructions to the computer.
• Many programming languages exist, and each has their own rules, or syntax, for writing these instructions.
• Top 10 programming languages 2015

Classifications of Programming Languages

• Low-level programming languages include machine language and assembly language.
• Machine language is referred to as a first generation programming language and is used to communicate directly with the computer.
• Difficult to program due to the fact the language consists of 0's and 1's to represent the status of a switch (0 for off and 1 for on).
• Assembly language uses the same instructions and structure as machine language, but the programmer is able to use meaningful names or abbreviations instead of numbers.
• 

Classifications of Programming Languages

• High-level programming languages are referred to as third generation programming languages, which were first developed in the 1950's.
• These languages have English-like instructions and are easier to use than machine language.
• High level programming languages include Fortran, C, Basic, COBOL, and Pascal.
• In order for a computer to understand a program written in a high-level language, programmers convert the source code into machine language using a compiler or an interpreter.
• 

Compiler vs. Interpreter

• A compiler is a program that converts an entire program into machine code before the program is executed.
• An interpreter translates and executes an instruction before moving on to the next instruction.

Object-oriented Programming

• In the 1980's, (OOP) evolved out of the need to better develop complex programs in a systematic, organized approach.
• Allows programmers to create modules that can be used over and over again in a variety of programs.
• These modules contain code called classes, which group related data and actions.
• Include Java, C++, Visual C#, Visual F#, and Visual Basic.
• 

Assignment

• Demystifying Programming Webquest