4.6.2 Classification of Programming Languages

Question 1

Define High level language.

Answer 1

A programming language with a strong abstraction from a processor’s internal instruction set that is much more human readable with natural language keywords, such as Python or Java.

Question 2

Define Low level language.

Answer 2

A programming language with little to no abstraction from a processor’s internal instruction set, such as machine code or assembly language.

Question 3

Define Machine Code.

Answer 3

A low level programming language written in binary that is directly understood by the CPU.

Question 4

Define Assembly Language.

Answer 4

A low level programming language consisting of a set of mnemonic instructions that directly corresponds to the processor architecture’s machine code instruction set.

Question 5

Define Imperative Language.

Answer 5

A programming language built on the programming paradigm of using subroutines and procedures as instructions to change a program’s state and describe how a program operates.
e.g Python, Java, C#, C++

Question 6

Define Declarative Language.

Answer 6

A programming approach in which coders write code that describes what they want to do and what results they want to achieve, rather than how they will achieve the results.

Question 7

Advantages of High Level Language.

Answer 7

• Portable: programs can be run on different types of computer after recompiling
• Easier and faster to write
• Easier to debug and maintain programs

Question 8

Disadvantages of High Level Language.

Answer 8

• Slower speed: Code or program may run slower than assembly or machine code as need to be translated
• More memory storage: Code may occupy more space in RAM
• Unable to manipulate individual bits like machine and assembly code