This document discusses different types of computer languages. It begins by defining a programming language as an artificial language used to communicate instructions to a computer. Originally, programs were written in binary code (1s and 0s), which is the native language of computers. Assembly language was then created using alphanumeric codes and mnemonics, making programming easier but still machine-dependent. High-level languages were later developed that use vocabulary closer to human languages, make programs more portable between machines, and are generally easier for humans to read, write and maintain. However, high-level languages must still be translated into machine language before execution.

1. A presentation on
Computer Languages

2. A programming language is an artificial language
designed to communicate instructions to a machine,
particularly a computer.
A programming language is a set of symbols that
instructs the h/w of computer to perform a specific
task.
A programming language is a language to perform
a set of tasks. A computer language is a set of predefined
words that are combined into a program according to
predefined rules (syntax).
A series of specifically defined commands designed
by human programmers to give directions to digital
computers. Commands are written as sets of
instructions, called programs.

4. Programs were made up of instructions written in
binary code (1s and 0s).
This is the “native” language of the computer.
Each instruction had two parts: Operation code
i.e. opcode and Operand.
Operation code (Opcode): The command
part of a computer instruction.
Operand: The address of a specific location
in the computer’s memory.
OPCODE(operation code) OPERAND(address/location)
Fig: Instruction Format

5. Advantages/Limitations
Machine dependent.
Difficult to program.
Error prone.
Difficult to program.

6. Assembly language
It’s a low level language which uses
alphanumeric codes used for the instructions.
 programs are made up of instructions written
in mnemonics.
Mnemonics: Uses convenient alphabetic
abbreviations to represent operation codes, and
symbols to represent operands.
Each instruction had two parts: Operation code,
Operand.
Because programs are not written in 1s and 0s, the
computer must first translate the program before it
can be executed.
READ num1
READ num2
LOAD num1
ADD num2
STORE sum
PRINT sum
STOP

7. Advantages/limitations
Easier to understand and use
Easier to modify.
Easier to locate and correct errors.
No worry about addresses.
Easily relocatable.
Efficiency of machine language.
Machine dependent.
Knowledge of h/w required.
Machine level coding.

8. High Level language
A programming language that enables a
programmer to write programs that are more or less
independent of a particular type of computer.
These are considered high-level because they are
closer to human languages and further from machine
languages.
hey are easier to read, write, and maintain.
Ultimately, programs written in a high-level language
must be translated into machine language by a
compiler or interpreter.

9. Advantages /limitation
Better documentation.
Easier to learn and use.
Machine independence.
Fewer errors.
Lower program preparations cost.
Easier to maintain.
Lower flexibility.