Programming languages

Programming Languages

• Types of Programming Languages

  • High-Level Languages:

    • Examples: Python, Java, C++.

    • Made up of human-readable statements, easier for programmers.

    • Must be converted to machine code for computer processing.

  • Low-Level Languages:

    • Example: Machine code.

    • Machine code is the only form the CPU can process directly.

    • Conversion is done by a translator.

Conversion Process of Programming Languages

• Programs written in high-level languages need translation:

  • Translator Types:

    • Interpreters

    • Compilers

    • Assemblers

Characteristics of Programming Languages

• High-Level Languages Characteristics:

  • Human-readable, must be translated for CPU execution.

  • Generally portable across different CPU types.

  • One statement can represent multiple CPU instructions.

• Low-Level Languages Characteristics:

  • More difficult for humans to read.

  • Provide precise control over CPU.

  • Executable only on specific CPU types.

  • Faster execution, no translation overhead required.

Examples of Programming Languages

• Interpreted Languages:

  • Python, JavaScript - interpreted every time.

• Compiled Languages:

  • C, C++ - compiled into an executable file.

• Assembly Language:

  • Assembled into machine code, requiring understanding of CPU operations.

Assembly Language

• Definition: A low-level language using mnemonics for instructions.

• Each CPU has an Instruction Set that assembly language maps to.

  • Mnemonic example: ADD for addition instead of binary instruction.

• Easier than machine code but requires knowledge of CPU architecture.

Example of Assembly Language

• Assembly code snippet:

  • Contains human-readable mnemonics and comments to explain functionality.

  • Example: MOV ECX, -1 stores a value in a register.

Purpose of Translators

• Essential software that converts high-level code to machine code.

• Translation Process:

  • Input: Source code in high-level language.

  • Output: Machine code executable by CPU.

Types of Translators

• Assemblers: Converts assembly language to machine code.

  • Requires deep technical knowledge of CPU.

  • Rarely used today except for specific cases like hardware drivers.

• Compilers: Converts the entire high-level code at once.

  • Produces an executable file (.exe).

  • Compiled code runs faster as there is no repeated translation.

• Interpreters: Translates high-level code one line at a time.

  • Slower in execution but easier for debugging.

  • Portable across different CPU platforms.