18 Questions
What is the main purpose of second-generation programming languages (2GL)?
To provide human-readable source code
Which term best describes the assembly code conversion process to object code?
Translating
Why are mnemonic codes like LDA and STA used in assembly languages?
To facilitate easier reading and writing of code
In which areas are assembly languages like 2GL often used?
For graphics programming and optimizing performance
What is the role of an Assembler in the programming process?
To convert assembly code to object code
Which component of a computing system directly executes machine code instructions?
CPU
What were the main characteristics of first-generation programming languages?
Instructions were entered in binary format, executed directly by the CPU, and programs were difficult to edit and debug.
How were programs typically entered into the computer in the early days of programming?
Using a punch card, punch tape, or by flicking switches
Which of the following statements is true about machine language programs?
They were executed very quickly by the CPU.
What was a significant limitation of first-generation programming languages?
They could only be used to write simple programs.
What was the primary reason for the development of higher-level programming languages?
To make programming easier and more accessible to humans
Which of the following statements about memory management in first-generation programming languages is true?
Memory management was done manually by the programmer.
What is the primary purpose of coding a function or set of similar functions in a separate module or sub-module?
To allow the code to be loaded into memory more efficiently
What is the recommended maximum number of lines of code for a module?
100 lines
Which of the following is not an example of a structured programming language mentioned in the text?
Java
What is the primary purpose of using looping constructs such as 'for', 'repeat', and 'while' in program flow?
To automate repetitive tasks
What is the primary characteristic of object-oriented programming (OOP) mentioned in the text?
It represents concepts as 'objects' that have data fields and associated procedures.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of structured programming mentioned in the text?
Programs can require millions of lines of code
Study Notes
Second-Generation Programming Languages (2GL)
- Introduced in the 1950s to overcome the limitations of binary programming
- Provide human-readable source code that must be compiled/assembled into machine code
- Specific to platform architecture, hence not portable across processors or processing environments
- Designed to support logical structure and debugging
- Use mnemonic codes, making programming easier to read and write
- Require an Assembler to convert assembly code into object code
- Still used in areas of intense processing, such as graphics programming, and for kernels and device drivers
Introduction to Structured Programming
- Programming involves converting problem solutions into instructions for the computer
- Structured programming is an approach to writing programs that are easier to test, debug, modify, and maintain
- It enforces a modular approach, breaking down complex problems into sub-problems
- A programming language is a vocabulary and set of grammatical rules designed for instructing a computer to perform specific tasks
History of Programming Languages
- First-Generation Programming Languages (Machine Language) were introduced in the 1940s
- Characteristics:
- Instructions were entered directly in binary format (1s and 0s)
- Error-prone and tedious
- Programmers had to design code by hand, then transfer it to a computer
- Instructions were executed directly by the CPU
- Memory management was done manually
- Programs were very difficult to edit and debug
- Used for simple programs only
Structured Programming
- Modular approach allows for efficient code loading and reusability
- Program flow follows a simple hierarchical model using looping constructs
- The "GoTo" statement is discouraged
- Programs can require thousands or millions of lines of code
- Examples of structured programming languages: C, Pascal, Fortran, Cobol, ALGOL, Ada, and dBASE
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
- Represents concepts as "objects" with data fields and associated procedures (methods)
- Objects interact with each other to design applications and computer programs
Visual Programming
- Uses a visual representation (graphics, drawings, animation, or icons) to program
Learn about Second-Generation Programming Languages (2GL) which are low-level programming languages also known as Assembly Languages. These languages were introduced in the 1950s to provide human-readable source code that must be compiled or assembled into machine code before execution. They are specific to platform architecture, making them non-portable across different processors.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
