Introduction to Programming Languages

Flashcards covering the definitions, generations, paradigms, examples, and common uses of programming languages based on the lecture notes.

What is a programming language?

A special language used to write instructions that computers can understand and execute; acts as a translator between you and the computer.

What is the difference between low-level and high-level programming languages?

Low-level languages are close to the computer’s native machine code, fast and powerful but hard for humans to read; high-level languages are easier to read/write and closer to everyday language.

Give examples of low-level programming languages.

Machine Language (binary) and Assembly Language.

Give examples of high-level programming languages.

Python, Java, C++, JavaScript.

What are the typical uses of low-level languages?

Writing firmware, operating systems, or code that interacts directly with hardware.

What are the typical uses of high-level languages?

Building apps, websites, games, AI tools, and other software.

What is a 1st generation (1GL) language?

Machine codes written in 0s and 1s (binary).

What is a 2nd generation (2GL) language?

Assembly language (e.g., MOV, ADD).

What is a 3rd generation (3GL) language?

Procedural languages like C, Java, Python.

What is a 4th generation (4GL) language?

Focused on specific tasks, like SQL for databases.

What is a 5th generation (5GL) language?

Logic-based languages used in AI, like Prolog.

What is the Procedural programming paradigm?

A paradigm focused on sequences of instructions; examples include C and Pascal.

What is the Object-Oriented programming paradigm?

A paradigm organized around objects; examples include Java, Python, and C++.

What is the Functional programming paradigm?

A paradigm based on evaluating mathematical functions; examples include Haskell and Lisp.

What is the Scripting programming paradigm?

A paradigm focused on quick, script-like tasks; examples include JavaScript and Python.

What is the Logic-Based programming paradigm?

A paradigm using formal logic; example: Prolog.

What is Python best for?

Data science, web development, and AI; it is easy to learn.

What is Java best for?

Mobile apps (especially Android) and business software.

What is C++ best for?

Games, simulations, and system-level applications.

What is JavaScript best for?

Powers interactivity in websites.

What is SQL best for?

Managing and querying databases.

What is Prolog best for?

Logic-based AI and expert systems.

From the activity, what is Python’s mapped use case and paradigm?

Web Apps, Object-Oriented.

From the activity, what is C’s mapped use case and paradigm?

Build operating systems, Procedural.

From the activity, what is SQL’s mapped use case and paradigm?

Manage databases, Declarative.

From the activity, what is JavaScript’s mapped use case and paradigm?

Add animation to websites, Scripting.

From the activity, what is Prolog’s mapped use case and paradigm?

Build rule-based AI systems, Logic-Based.