Overview of Computer Languages

Definition: A computer language is a formal system of communication used to instruct a computer in performing tasks.
Categories:
- Low-level languages: Close to machine code; includes assembly language.
- High-level languages: More abstract and user-friendly; closer to human languages.

Machine Language:
- Binary code directly understood by the computer.
- Hardware-specific and not user-friendly.
Assembly Language:
- Uses mnemonics and symbols to represent machine code instructions.
- Requires an assembler to convert to machine language.
High-Level Languages:
- Easier to read and write; designed for user accessibility.
- Examples:
  - Procedural Languages: C, Pascal, Fortran.
  - Object-Oriented Languages: Java, C++, Python.
  - Scripting Languages: JavaScript, PHP, Ruby.
  - Functional Languages: Haskell, Lisp.

Abstraction: Hides complex details of the computer's hardware.
Portability: Code can run on multiple platforms with little or no modification.
Ease of Use: Syntax is generally closer to natural language, improving readability and maintainability.

Compiler: Translates high-level language code into machine code before execution. Examples: GCC for C/C++, javac for Java.
Interpreter: Translates and executes code line by line at runtime. Examples: Python interpreter, Ruby interpreter.

Imperative Programming: Focus on how to execute; uses statements that change a program's state (e.g., C, Java).
Declarative Programming: Focus on what the program should accomplish without specifying how (e.g., SQL, Prolog).
Functional Programming: Treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions (e.g., Haskell).
Object-Oriented Programming: Organizes code into objects containing data and methods (e.g., Java, C++).

Rise of Multi-Paradigm Languages: Languages like Python and JavaScript support multiple programming styles.
Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs): Created for specific application domains (e.g., SQL for database queries).
Focus on Performance: Languages like Rust prioritize memory safety and concurrency.

Books: Textbooks on programming languages, online courses, and tutorials.
Online Platforms: Websites like Codecademy, Coursera, and freeCodeCamp offer structured learning paths.
Community and Forums: Engaging with platforms like Stack Overflow and GitHub for real-world examples and collaboration.

A computer language enables communication with computers through formal instruction systems.
Categories include low-level languages, which are machine code-adjacent and less user-friendly, and high-level languages, which are more accessible and similar to human languages.

Machine Language:
- Composed of binary code, the only language understood by computers, but highly hardware-specific and not user-friendly.
Assembly Language:
- Utilizes mnemonics to represent machine instructions, requiring an assembler for translation into machine code.
High-Level Languages:
- Considerably easier for users; examples include:
  - Procedural Languages: C, Pascal, Fortran emphasize a step-by-step approach.
  - Object-Oriented Languages: Java, C++, Python focus on encapsulation and objects.
  - Scripting Languages: JavaScript, PHP, Ruby designed for quick and flexible scripting.
  - Functional Languages: Haskell, Lisp emphasize function evaluation over state changes.

Abstraction: Simplifies complex hardware details, allowing easier programming.
Portability: High-level code can operate across various platforms with minimal modifications.
Ease of Use: Syntax aligns closer to natural languages, enhancing code readability and maintainability.

Compiler: Converts high-level code into machine code in advance of execution, as seen with GCC for C/C++ and javac for Java.
Interpreter: Executes high-level code line by line at runtime, illustrated by the Python and Ruby interpreters.

Imperative Programming: Centers on how tasks are executed, altering program states (e.g., C, Java).
Declarative Programming: Concentrates on outcomes, not procedures (e.g., SQL, Prolog).
Functional Programming: Treats tasks as mathematical function evaluations (e.g., Haskell).
Object-Oriented Programming: Structures code around objects containing data and methods (e.g., Java, C++).

Rise of Multi-Paradigm Languages: Python and JavaScript adapt to various programming styles.
Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs): Tailored for particular fields, like SQL for database interactions.
Focus on Performance: Languages like Rust aim for efficient memory management and concurrency.

Books: Textbooks focused on programming languages; widely available online courses and tutorials.
Online Platforms: Resources such as Codecademy, Coursera, and freeCodeCamp provide structured learning experiences.
Community and Forums: Engaging on platforms like Stack Overflow and GitHub allows for real-world collaborations and practical examples.