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== Overview ==
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A '''high level computer language''' is one that is essentially independent of any specific [[computer]] platform. 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]].
 
A '''high level computer language''' is one that is essentially independent of any specific [[computer]] platform. 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-1ike 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]].
 
High level languages use English-1ike 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 of high level computer languages include:
 
Examples of high level computer languages include:

Revision as of 06:30, 30 September 2009

Overview

A high level computer language is one that is essentially independent of any specific computer platform. 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.

High level languages use English-1ike 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 translated into machine language instructions using a special program called a compiler.

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