12 Questions
Name two arithmetic operators commonly used in third-generation languages (3GL).
- (multiplication) and + (addition)
Provide examples of early procedural 3GL languages.
BASIC, PASCAL, C, FORTRAN
What is the key characteristic of third-generation languages (3GL)?
English-like words
Which generation of languages specifies what the program should accomplish without explaining how?
Fourth-generation languages (4GL)
Name some advanced object-oriented 3GL languages.
C++, Java, C#
Give examples of fifth-generation languages (5GL).
Mercury, OPS5, Prolog
What is machine language?
The only language understood by the computer, consisting of binary digits 0 and 1.
What is assembly language?
The language where program codes are written using alphanumeric symbols called 'Mnemonics'.
Why is machine language difficult for programmers to use?
Because it only consists of two digits, 0 and 1.
What does a programmer use in assembly language instead of 0s and 1s?
Abbreviations like A for addition, C for compare, L for load, and M for multiply.
What is high-level language closer to?
Human beings.
Why do programs written in high-level languages need a language processor or translator?
To convert the instructions into machine language.
Study Notes
Machine Language
- Machine language is the only language understood by the computer.
- It is also known as the first-generation language (1GL).
- Machine language consists of only two digits, 0 and 1, called binary digits or bits.
- The bit '0' represents the OFF state and the bit '1' represents the ON state.
- It is difficult for programmers to use due to its binary nature.
Assembly Language
- Assembly language is also known as the second-generation language (2GL).
- It uses alphanumeric symbols called 'Mnemonics' instead of 0 and 1.
- Programmers write abbreviations such as A for addition, C for compare, L for load, and M for multiply.
- A translator is required to convert assembly language into machine language.
High-Level Language
- High-level language is considered to be closer to human beings.
- It is machine-independent.
- Programs written in high-level languages are called source code.
- A language processor or translator is required to convert high-level languages into machine language.
Third-Generation Languages (3GL)
- In 3GL, the programmer writes a series of English-like words that tell the computer what and how to accomplish.
- 3GL uses arithmetic operators such as * for multiplication and + for addition.
- Examples of 3GL include BASIC, PASCAL, C, FORTRAN, C++, Java, and C#.
Fourth-Generation Languages (4GL)
- 4GL uses English-like statements that specify what the program should accomplish without explaining how.
- 4GL is fast and requires less time and effort on the part of the programmer.
- Examples of 4GL include SQL, Perl, and Python.
Fifth-Generation Languages (5GL)
- 5GL is also known as natural languages.
- 5GL uses visual tools to develop a program.
- Examples of 5GL include Mercury, OPS5, and Prolog.
- Natural language is very easy to use and is often associated with expert systems and artificial intelligence.
Learn about the differences between machine language and assembly language, the two low-level programming languages used to communicate directly with computers. Machine language consists of binary digits 0 and 1, while assembly language uses human-readable mnemonics to represent machine code instructions.
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