A computer programming language is a special language used to give instructions to a computer so that it can perform specific tasks. These instructions are written in a way that the computer can understand and execute.

In other words, a programming language allows humans to communicate with a computer. It helps you to tell the computer what to do, step by step, to solve problems, run applications, or carry out calculations.

Without a programming language, computers would not understand human instructions, as they can only process binary code (0s and 1s).

Programming languages are important because :

• they Allow humans to write instructions that computers can understand.


• they Enable the creation of software applications like games, word processors, and web browsers.


• they Help in solving mathematical, scientific, and business problems efficiently.


• they Enable automation of tasks, reducing the need for manual work.


• they Help students understand logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Programming languages are classified into several types based on how close they are to human language or computer language:

a) Machine Language (Low-Level Language)

• First-generation programming language.


• Consists of binary codes (0s and 1s) that the computer can directly understand.


• Example: 10110010 11001010


• Advantages: Fast and directly understood by the computer.


• Disadvantages: Very difficult for humans to read and write; prone to errors.

b) Assembly Language (Low-Level Language)

• Second-generation language.


• Uses mnemonics (short words or codes) to represent machine instructions.


• Example: MOV A, 5 (Move value 5 into register A)


• Advantages: Easier than machine language; allows more control of hardware.


• Disadvantages: Still complex; needs an assembler to convert to machine code.

c) High-Level Languages

• Closer to human language and easier to write and understand.


• Examples include: Python, Java, C, C++, BASIC, Pascal.


• Advantages: Easier to learn and write; portable across different computers.


• Disadvantages: Must be translated into machine language using a compiler or interpreter.

d) Fourth-Generation Languages (4GL)

• Even closer to human language than high-level languages.


• Used mainly for database management and report generation.


• Example: SQL (Structured Query Language)

• Keywords: Reserved words with special meaning in the language (e.g., if, for, while).


• Operators: Symbols used for operations like addition (+), subtraction (–), multiplication (*), division (/).


• Variables: Storage locations for data that can change during program execution.


• Constants: Fixed values that do not change during program execution.


• Functions / Procedures: Reusable blocks of code that perform a specific task.


• Syntax: Rules that define the correct way to write a program in that language.

1. A programmer writes code in a programming language.


2. The code is translated into machine language using either a compiler or an interpreter.


3. Compiler: Converts the whole program into machine code before execution.


4. Interpreter: Converts and executes the program line by line.


5. The computer executes the machine code, performing the tasks instructed by the program.

Language	Type	Use / Application
Python	High-level	Web development, data analysis, games, AI
Java	High-level	Mobile apps, desktop software, enterprise apps
C	High-level	System programming, operating systems, embedded devices
C++	High-level	Games, software applications, system software
BASIC	High-level	Teaching programming to beginners
SQL	Fourth-generation	Database management
Assembly	Low-level	Device drivers, embedded systems

• Easy to Learn and Use: Simple syntax and clear commands.


• Efficient: Produces programs that run fast and use resources wisely.


• Portable: Can run on different types of computers with little modification.


• Reliable: Produces correct results consistently.


• Readable: Easy for humans to understand, maintain, and debug.

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Python Programming Examples

1. Greeting Program

Code:

# This program asks for the user's name and age, then prints a greeting.

name = input("Enter your name: ")

age = input("Enter your age: ")

print("Hello " + name + "! You are " + age + " years old.")

Example Interaction (Final Result):

Enter your name: Ada

Enter your age: 12

Hello Ada! You are 12 years old.

2. Adding Two Numbers

Code:

# This program adds two numbers entered by the user.

num1 = int(input("Enter the first number: "))

num2 = int(input("Enter the second number: "))

sum = num1 + num2

print("The sum of", num1, "and", num2, "is", sum)

Example Interaction (Final Result):

Enter the first number: 7
Enter the second number: 5
The sum of 7 and 5 is 12

3. Check Even or Odd Number

Code:

# This program checks if a number entered by the user is even or odd.

num = int(input("Enter a number: "))

if num % 2 == 0:

    print(num, "is an even number.")

else:

    print(num, "is an odd number.")

Example Interaction (Final Result):

Enter a number: 8

8 is an even number.

Enter a number: 7

7 is an odd number.

4. Multiplication Table

Code:

# This program prints the multiplication table of a number.

num = int(input("Enter a number to see its multiplication table: "))

for i in range(1, 11):

    print(num, "x", i, "=", num * i)

Example Interaction (Final Result):

Enter a number to see its multiplication table: 3

3 x 1 = 3

3 x 2 = 6

3 x 3 = 9

3 x 4 = 12

3 x 5 = 15

3 x 6 = 18

3 x 7 = 21

3 x 8 = 24

3 x 9 = 27

3 x 10 = 30

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Summary

• A programming language is a way to communicate instructions to a computer.


• Languages are classified into machine, assembly, high-level, and fourth-generation languages.


• Programming languages allow humans to create software, solve problems, and automate tasks.


• They include components like keywords, variables, operators, constants, and syntax.


• Examples include Python, Java, C, C++, BASIC, SQL, and Assembly.

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Practice / Evaluation Questions

1. What is a computer programming language?


2. Mention two low-level programming languages and explain the difference between them.


3. Give three examples of high-level programming languages.


4. Explain the roles of compiler and interpreter in programming.


5. What are keywords and operators in programming?


6. Why is Python considered easier for beginners than Assembly?


7. Give an example of a fourth-generation programming language and its use.


8. What are the main characteristics of a good programming language?


9. How does a programming language allow humans to communicate with computers?


10. Explain why understanding programming languages is important in computer studies.