Конспект до Unit 17
Виконав: Осадчий Іван
Група: К-31
Programming languages
Programming is the process of writing a program using a computer language. A program is
a set of instructions which a computer uses to do a specific task, such as a solution to a
Maths problem. The only language a PC can directly execute is machine code, which consists
of 1s and 0s. This language is difficult to write, so we use symbolic languages that are easier
to understand. For example, assembly languages use abbreviations such as ADD, SUB, MPY
to represent instructions. The program is then translated into machine code by software
called an assembler. Machine code and assembly languages are called low-level languages
because they are closer to the hardware. High-level languages, however, are closer to
human languages; they use forms resembling English, which makes programming easier.
The program is translated into machine code by software called a compiler. Some examples
include FORTRAN, used for scientific and mathematical applications; COBOL, popular for
business applications; and BASIC, used as a teaching language. Visual BASIC is now used to
create Windows applications, while C is used to write system software, graphics and
commercial programs. Java is designed to run on the Web, and Java applets are small
programs that run automatically on web pages to let you watch animated characters or play
music and games. The languages used to create Web documents are called markup
languages; they use instructions called markups to format and link text files. HTML is the
code used to create Web pages, while VoiceXML makes Internet content accessible via
speech recognition and phone. Instead of using a web browser on a PC, you use a telephone
to access voice-equipped websites by dialing the phone number and giving spoken
instructions or commands.
Steps in writing a program
To write a program, software developers usually follow several specific steps. First, they try
to understand the problem and define the purpose of the program. They design a flowchart,
which is a diagram showing the successive logical steps of the program. Next, they write the
instructions in a high-level language like Pascal or C; this part of the process is called coding.
The program is then compiled. When the program is written, they test it by running it to see
if it works and use special tools to detect bugs or errors. Any errors are corrected until it
runs smoothly, which is called debugging or bug fixing. Finally, software companies write a
detailed description of how the program works, known as program documentation. They
also have a maintenance program where they get reports from users about any errors found
in the program, and after it has been improved, it is published as an updated version.
Answers to Exercises Unit 17
17.1 Match the terms from A opposite with their definitions
In terms of matching, programming is defined as writing computer programs while machine
code is a basic language which consists of binary codes. Assembly language is a low-level
language translated into machine code by an assembler, and high-level language refers to
programming languages such as C, Java or Visual BASIC. A Java applet is a small self-
contained program written in Java, whereas a compiler is software which converts a source
program into machine code. Finally, markup language is the language used to create and
format documents for the Web.
17.2 Look at B and then put these programming steps into the correct order
The correct order for the programming steps is first to analyze the problem, then make a
flowchart. This is followed by writing the code and compiling it, after which you must test
the program and detect bugs. If necessary, you debug and correct the errors, and the final
step is to document and maintain the program.
17.3 Complete this article about the VoiceXML application language
Internet: Voice recognition takes off. You don't need a sophisticated cell phone to surf the
Internet when you're on the road - just your own voice. That's the idea behind a new breed
of voice service that is popping up all over the place. Subscribers (1) dial a toll-free phone
number and use spoken (2) commands to listen to anything from weather conditions to
stock quotes, or flight information to news stories. Half a dozen of these services - such as
Audiopoint, BeVocal, TellMe and TelSurf Networks - have already gone live or are testing
their systems. These launches are all happening because two crucial technologies have
come of age. (3) Speech recognition software from companies such as Lucent, Nuance and
Speechworks can now understand a wide range of accents and diction without having to be
trained to a specific voice. And computer languages such as VoiceXML make it as easy to
write voice services as (4) HTML has made it to write web pages. With (5) VoiceXML, the
human voice becomes a substitute for a computer mouse and the spoken command for a
click. It doesn't, however, call up conventional web pages, but content which is specially
composed for a telephone: sound clips, music, spoken texts.