Comprehensive Study Notes on Programming Languages and Their Generations

Programming Languages are classified into two ( $2$ ) primary categories:
- Low level Languages: These consist of the $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ generation of languages.
- High level languages: These consist of the $3^{rd}$ , $4^{th}$ , and $5^{th}$ generation of languages.

Generational Classifications:
- $1^{st}$ Generation: This level uses machine language or binary code.
- $2^{nd}$ Generation: This level utilizes abbreviated code.
Advantages of Low Level Languages:
- Execution Speed: The code runs very fast.
- Efficiency: These languages are efficient because the code is directly executed by the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
Disadvantages of Low Level Languages:
- Machine Dependency: Low level languages are machine-dependent, which means the code can only work on a particular computer.
- Complexity: A programmer may become confused by the massive amount of $1$ 's and zeros required for coding.

General Characteristics:
- High level languages utilize English like statements to facilitate programming.
Generational Classifications and Examples:
- $3^{rd}$ Generation: Examples include Pascal and C.
- $4^{th}$ Generation: These are characterized as procedural languages; for example, SQL.
- $5^{th}$ Generation: This generation mimics the actions of humans, such as a robot or AI (Artificial Intelligence).
Advantages of High Level Languages:
- Ease of Writing: These languages are easier to write because they employ English like statements.
- Portability: These languages are not machine dependent.
Disadvantages of High Level Languages:
- Conversion Requirement: Programs must be converted to machine language before they can be run.
- Slower Execution: The execution of these programs is slower because of the necessary conversion process.