Page 153 - DCAP507_SYSTEM_SOFTWARE

Unit 10: Programming Languages Concept (I)
1. First Generation Language Machine Languages (1940-1950)
2. Second Generation Language Assembly Languages (1950-1958)
3. Third Generation Language Procedural Languages (1958-1985) Notes
4. Fourth Generation Language 4GLs (1985 Onwards)
5. Fifth Generation Language Visual/Graphic Languages (1990
onwards)
Machine language and Assembly language are considered as first generation language and
second generation language respectively. These languages have been discussed in the previous
units.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
1. The special language by which we can communicate with the computer is called
..................................

2. The languages that operates in close proximity of the external architecture of a machine
are called as ..................................

10.2 High Level Languages

Unlike the assembly program, that works with the specific make the development of mnemonic
techniques and micro instructions that could work with different makes of computer with little
modifications has led to the development of high level languages.
High level languages basically consist of English like instructions rather than mnemonic codes
or binary digits of specific computer, so this language is easier to learn than assembly language.
It requires less time to write as four or five low level instructions are produced to a simple high
level statements.
These are the third generation languages. These are procedure-oriented languages and are
machine independent. Programs are written in English like statements. As high level languages
are not directly executable, translators (compilers and interpreters) are used to convert them in
machine language equivalent.

Notes Naturally, a source program written in a high level language must also be translated
into a machine usable code. A translating program that can perform this operation is
called a compiler. A compiler may generate many lines of machine code for each source
program statement.
10.2.1 Importance of High Level Languages

1. These are easier to learn than assembly language.
2. Less time is required to write programs.
3. These provide better documentation.
4. These are easier to maintain.

5. These have an extensive vocabulary.
6. Libraries of subroutines can be incorporated and used in many other programs.

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