Overview of Computer Languages

Questions and Answers

What is the primary difference between compiled and interpreted programs?

Compiled programs are translated once before execution, making them faster, while interpreted programs are translated during execution, requiring the source code each time.

Explain why high-level programming languages are considered more portable than machine languages.

High-level languages are designed to be independent of specific hardware architectures, while machine languages are tailored for a particular machine's instruction set.

What role does the CPU play in a computer system?

The CPU, or central processing unit, is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations on data and executing instructions from programs.

Describe the importance of algorithms in programming.

Algorithms provide a step-by-step process for solving problems, which can then be translated into software programs for execution by computers. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary for high-level languages to be either compiled or interpreted?

High-level languages must be compiled or interpreted so that the computer can convert them into machine language, which it understands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between high-level languages and machine languages?

High-level languages use syntax similar to everyday English and are abstracted from hardware, while machine languages consist of binary code that a computer's processor directly executes. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it generally preferable to use library functions instead of creating custom functions in C?

Using library functions is preferable because they are pre-written, efficient, and portable, saving time and reducing errors. Signup and view all the answers

How does a compiler differ from an interpreter in the context of programming languages?

A compiler translates the entire source code into machine language before execution, while an interpreter translates and executes the code instruction-by-instruction at runtime. Signup and view all the answers

What programming languages are categorized as Object Oriented Languages?

Object Oriented Languages include C++, Java, Python, and C#. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the C Standard Library play in C programming?

The C Standard Library provides a collection of pre-written functions that facilitate common programming tasks, thus avoiding the need for programmers to reinvent solutions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

High-Level Languages

High-level languages resemble everyday English and utilize mathematical notations.
Example of a high-level statement: grossPay = basePay + overTimePay.

Overview of Computer Languages

Machine Languages: Composed of strings of numbers giving machine-specific instructions.
Assembly Languages: Use English-like abbreviations for elementary computer operations, translated via assemblers.
Algorithmic Languages: Include Fortran, Algol, and C, used for various programming tasks.
Business Oriented Languages: Examples include COBOL and SQL, aimed at data manipulation.
Object-Oriented Languages: Include C++, C#, Ada, Java, Visual Basic, and Python, focusing on objects and classes.
Declarative Languages: Examples are Prolog and Lisp, emphasizing problem-solving without explicit control flow.
Scripting Languages: Such as PERL, typically designed for automating tasks.
Document Formatting Languages: Include Tex, PostScript, and SGML.
WWW Display Languages: HTML and XML are used for web content.
Web Scripting: JavaScript enables interactive web pages.

History of C

Developed by Dennis Ritchie from earlier languages BCPL and B.
Used in the development of UNIX and modern operating systems.
Recognized for its hardware independence (portability).
Evolved into "Traditional C" by the late 1970s.

The C Standard Library

C programs are composed of functions or modules.
Programmers can create custom functions, which allows for personalized control but can be time-consuming.
The C library provides pre-written functions, promoting efficiency and portability by avoiding redundant coding.

Other High-Level Languages

FORTRAN: Designed for scientific and engineering applications.
COBOL: Geared towards handling large datasets.
Pascal: Primarily intended for educational purposes.

Compiling a High-Level Language

A compiler translates source code from a high-level language into machine code.
Transformation is static and occurs before execution, allowing programs to be reused without recompilation.

Interpreting a High-Level Language

An interpreter executes source code instruction-by-instruction during runtime.
Example: Python is recognized as an interpreted language.

Compiling vs. Interpreting

Compiling is a one-off static process; once compiled, programs run independently of the source code.
Interpreting is dynamic, requiring the interpreter and source code each time the program executes.
Compiled programs generally run faster; interpreted programs offer more flexibility.

Computer Basics

A computer processes information and follows algorithms to solve problems.
The central processing unit (CPU) performs arithmetic and logical operations.
Information resides in main memory (e.g., RAM) and secondary memory (e.g., disks).

Programming Basics

Software is created through programming languages, which have defined syntax (form) and semantics (meaning).
Low-level machine language is the only language that hardware inherently understands.
High-level languages like Python must be either compiled or interpreted for computers to understand them.
High-level languages are designed for portability, making them easier to work with than machine languages.

Summary

High-level languages provide easier, understandable programming options compared to low-level machine languages.
Proper translation mechanisms (compilation or interpretation) allow these languages to function on computers effectively.

Description

This quiz explores various types of computer languages including high-level, machine, and assembly languages. Understand the distinctions between algorithmic, business-oriented, and object-oriented languages, as well as scripting and declarative languages. Test your knowledge on the languages that power modern programming.