COMPUTER LANGUAGES
What makes a computer language? Why do computers have
them? Why are there so many different computer languages?
What makes a computer language? Why
do computers have them? Why are there
so many different computer languages?
The computer performs its functions based on
the instructions given by the user. The set of
such instruction written for a particular task is
known as a computer program
Program is the set of instructions that tells the
computer how to process the data, into the
form desired by user.
The language in which a computer
program is written is known as
programming Language.
The programming are classified as
Low-low language and High – level
language.
Computer Language
Low Level Language
High Level Language
Machine Language
Assemble Language
Assembler
Compiler
Machine language is expressed in terms of
binary numbers i.e. 0 and 1 as the processor
understands binary numbers only.
Machine language is further simplified by
converting it to the code called Op Code the Op
Code depends on the type of processor---- the
program written in the Op Code is known as
Assembly language code.
The internal program that translates Op code to
machine code is assembler.
It is more convenient to write a program in a
High Level language, which comprises of
instructions in simple English. Example of HLL
are BASIC, FORTRAN and COBOL etc… a
compiler is the internal program that translates
High level language to Machine language.
A programming language is a formal
constructed language designed to
communicate instructions to a
machine, particularly a computer.
Nowadays, we see languages that are
both safe and powerful, sometimes we
have to use assembly language (Low –
Level Language)
A machine language or an assembly
language. Low-level languages are closer
to the hardware than are high-level
programming languages, which are closer
to human languages
Low-level languages are use because there are
no other reasonable way of telling the computer
what it must do.
Low-level languages are designed to operate
and handle the entire hardware and instructions
set architecture of a computer directly.
Machine language and assembly
language are popular examples of low
level languages.
However, most programming is done in High – Level Language
(HLLs) because of productivity. It is easier, or more cost –
effective to use a HLL.
Some of the reasons for this are:
• Easy to write: useful concept and facilities, relevant to
application
• Easy to read: for reuse,maintanance,enchancement etc.
• Portability: Other compiler/toolset suppliers,users,computer
– standards
• Error detection and reporting.
Software is a set of programs, which is
designed to perform a well-defined
function. A program is a sequence of
instructions written to solve a particular
problem.
There are two types of software
• System Software
• Application Software
System Software
The system software is collection of programs designed to
operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of the
computer itself. System software are generally prepared by
computer manufactures. These software products comprise of
programs written in low-level languages which interact with the
hardware at a very basic level. System software serves as the
interface between hardware and the end users.
Some examples of system software
are Operating System, Compilers,
Interpreter, Assemblers etc.
Application software
Features of system software are as follows:
• Close to system
• Fast in speed
• Difficult to design
• Difficult to understand
• Less interactive
• Smaller in size
• Difficult to manipulate
• Generally written in low-level language
Application Software
Application software products are designed to
satisfy a particular need of a particular
environment. All software applications prepared
in the computer lab can come under the
category of Application software.
Application software may consist of a
single program, such as a Microsoft's
notepad for writing and editing simple
text. It may also consist of a collection
of programs, often called a software
package, which work together to
accomplish a task, such as a
spreadsheet package.
Examples of Application software are
following:
• Payroll Software
• Student Record Software
• Inventory Management Software
• Income Tax Software
• Railways Reservation Software
• Microsoft Office Suite Software
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
Features of application software are as follows:
• Close to user
• Easy to design
• More interactive
• Slow in speed
• Generally written in high-level language
• Easy to understand
• Easy to manipulate and use
• Bigger in size and requires large storage space