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== Overview == |
== Overview == |
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| − | Each high-level language instruction does the same job as multiple assembly language instructions. High level language programs are easier to write and understand than [[machine language]] programs, more closely resemble human language, but cannot be [[execute]]d directly by the [[computer]]. For this reason, programs are usually first written in a high level computer language, and then [[translate]]d into [[machine language]] by a [[compiler]] or [[interpreter]] so that they can be [[execute]]d by the [[computer]]. |
+ | High level languages use English-like instructions. Each high-level language instruction does the same job as multiple [[assembly language]] instructions. High level language programs are easier to write and understand than [[machine language]] programs, more closely resemble human language, but cannot be [[execute]]d directly by the [[computer]]. For this reason, programs are usually first written in a high level computer language, and then [[translate]]d into [[machine language]] by a [[compiler]] or [[interpreter]] so that they can be [[execute]]d by the [[computer]]. |
| + | “[T]oday's high-level programming languages (such as [[Java]] and [[C]]) were made possible by research that uncovered techniques for [[convert]]ing the high-level statements into [[machine code]] for [[execution]] on a [[computer]]."<ref>[[Making IT Better: Expanding Information Technology Research to Meet Society's Needs]], at 23.</ref> |
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| − | High level languages use English-like instructions. Each high level language instruction does the same job as multiple [[assembly language]] instructions. Because the [[computer]] does not understand high level language instructions, they are [[translate]]d into [[machine language]] instructions using a special [[program]] called a [[compiler]]. |
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== Examples == |
== Examples == |
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* [[PL/I]] – an attempt to create a "be all and end all" [[language]] |
* [[PL/I]] – an attempt to create a "be all and end all" [[language]] |
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* [[COBOL]] – for years, the dominant [[language]] for [[business application]]s |
* [[COBOL]] – for years, the dominant [[language]] for [[business application]]s |
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| + | == References == |
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| + | <references /> |
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[[Category:Software]] |
[[Category:Software]] |
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[[Category:Definition]] |
[[Category:Definition]] |
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Latest revision as of 06:25, 28 August 2016
Definition[]
A high level computer language is one that is essentially independent of any specific computer platform.
Overview[]
High level languages use English-like instructions. Each high-level language instruction does the same job as multiple assembly language instructions. High level language programs are easier to write and understand than machine language programs, more closely resemble human language, but cannot be executed directly by the computer. For this reason, programs are usually first written in a high level computer language, and then translated into machine language by a compiler or interpreter so that they can be executed by the computer.
“[T]oday's high-level programming languages (such as Java and C) were made possible by research that uncovered techniques for converting the high-level statements into machine code for execution on a computer."[1]
Examples[]
Examples of high level computer languages include:
- FORTRAN – for years, the dominant language for mathematics and scientific programming
- PL/I – an attempt to create a "be all and end all" language
- COBOL – for years, the dominant language for business applications