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System Software

Notes
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Caution A programming language must be chosen according to the purpose intended.

10.1.3 Classification of Programming Languages

Though all programming languages have an instruction set that permits these familiar operations
to be performed, but there is a marked difference found in the symbols, characters and syntax of
computer languages, computer languages can be classified broadly into the following categories:
 First generation languages/Lowest level languages/Machine language.
 Second generation languages/Low level language/Assembly language.

 Third generation language/High level language.
 Fourth generation language/Very high level language.
 Fifth generation language/Natural language.
Types of programming languages can be easily explained by the following figure:

Figure 10.1: Types of Programming Languages

Programming Languages

Low-level Language High-level Language

Machine Assembly Procedural Fourth Visual
Language Language Language Generation Programming
Languages Languages
(4GLs)
The programming languages are said to be low or high or very high or natural, depending on
how far these are from the internal architecture of the machine or how close they are to the user
as far as the convenience of the user is concern. The languages that operates in close proximity
of the external architecture of a machine are called as low level/lowest level languages. Machine
language and assembly languages fall in this category.
The languages that put a user far away from the internal details of the computer, thereby
creating more user friendly environment are called as high level or very high level or natural
languages.

Generation wise categorization of the language is in the basis of their introduction to the
programming world.

10.1.4 Generation of Programming Languages

On the basis of development, programming languages can be divided into 5 generations:

1. First Generation Language Machine Languages (1940-1950)
2. Second Generation Language Assembly Languages (1950-1958)
Contd...
3. Third Generation Language Procedural Languages (1958-1985)
4. Fourth Generation Language 4GLs (1985 Onwards)
5. Fifth Generation Language Visual/Graphic Languages (1990
146 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY
onwards)