Principles of Programming

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the principles of programming, high and low-level languages, and their characteristics as defined in the WJEC Computer Science GCSE Unit One notes.

High Level Language

A programming language designed to simplify computer programming, typically several steps removed from the actual code run on a CPU and resembling natural human languages like English.

Machine Code

A low-level language comprised of bit patterns (binary digits) that can be executed directly by the CPU.

Low Level Language

A programming language that contains basic instructions recognized by a CPU, often requiring knowledge of the internal structure of the CPU and referring to specific internal registers.

Assembly Language

A low-level programming language designed for a specific type of processor that uses mnemonics and can be converted to machine code using an assembler.

Mnemonic

A short code used in assembly language chosen to remind the programmer of the program instruction it represents.

Program Translation

The process of translating code into executable machine code using either an interpreter or a compiler.

Embedded Software

Software built into embedded systems written to control machines or devices that are not typically thought of as computers.

Portable

A characteristic of high level languages where translated programs can be run on different computers running different operating systems without modification.

Assembler

A program used to convert assembly code into machine code for execution.

Instruction components (Machine Code)

Examples of machine code instructions include opcodes and operands.

Examples of High Level Languages

Common examples include Basic, Python, Java, Pascal, COBOL, C#, and C++.

Uses of High Level Languages

Used for common productivity applications like word processors, spreadsheets, commercial database packages, operating systems, e-commerce software, and social media apps.

Uses of Low Level Languages

Primarily used when fast execution speeds or efficient memory use are critical, such as in device drivers, embedded systems, or console-specific game development.