Classification of programming languages Flashcards
What is a Low Level Language?
A programming language that describes directly how to interact with the computer’s hardware
Describe the two types of low level languages
Machine code: Each instruction is written in binary code
Assembly language: Each instruction is represented as a text based command
Why is assembly language more often used to code?
Binary commands can be difficult to remember and it is easy to make a mistake inputting them.
What is a High Level Language?
A programming language that uses keywords and constructs written in an English-like form
What is an imperative HLL?
A language where commands are used to say how the computer should complete a task
What is a declarative HLL?
A language in which the programmer codes what they want to happen, but not how.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of low level languages
+ Faster/ more efficient execution as the program can be optimised for a specific processor
+ Requires less memory
+ Provides direct control of the hardware
- Will only run on the platform it was coded for so a programmer must know the CPU and system it is being written for
- Harder to code in than HLL
What are the advantages and disadvantages of low level languages
+ Independent of CPU and runs on a wide range of platforms
+ Easier for a programmer to write code and code more complex programs
- Requires more memory than LLL
- Slower/ less efficient execution
- Doesn’t directly access the hardware
