Chapter-1: Computer Classification and Computer Language | ICSE Class 6 Computer Notes | MyBooklet.in

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Computers cannot understand human languages such as English or Hindi. They understand only machine language, which consists of binary digits (0 and 1). To communicate with a computer, programmers use different computer languages. These languages make it easier to write instructions and develop software for various purposes.

As technology advanced, computer languages became more user-friendly, faster, and more powerful. Today, programming languages help create websites, mobile apps, games, artificial intelligence, and much more.

In this chapter, you will learn about computer languages, their evolution, language translators, and the differences between compilers and interpreters.

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What is a Computer Language?

A computer language is a set of instructions used to communicate with a computer and tell it what tasks to perform.

Computer languages are mainly divided into two categories:

• Low-Level Languages
• High-Level Languages

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Low-Level Languages

Low-level languages are very close to the computer's hardware and are difficult for humans to understand. They execute programs very quickly.

Machine Language (1GL)

Machine language is the first generation computer language. It consists only of binary numbers (0 and 1), which are directly understood by the CPU.

Features

1. Uses binary digits (0 and 1).
2. Executed directly by the processor.
3. Very fast execution.
4. Machine dependent.

Advantages

1. Fastest execution speed.
2. No translator is required.
3. Direct communication with hardware.

Disadvantages

1. Very difficult to write and understand.
2. Error-prone.
3. Not portable.

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Assembly Language (2GL)

Assembly language uses mnemonic codes instead of binary numbers. It is easier to understand than machine language but still requires an Assembler to convert it into machine code.

Features

1. Uses mnemonics like MOV, ADD, SUB.

2. Easier than machine language.

3. Machine dependent.

Advantages

1. Easier to write.

2. Faster than many high-level languages.

3. Better program control.

Disadvantages

1. Requires an assembler.

2. Difficult for beginners.

3. Not portable.

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High-Level Languages (3GL)

High-level languages are designed to be easy for humans to read, write, and understand. They use English-like words and mathematical expressions.

Features

1. Easy to learn.

2. Machine independent.

3. Portable.

4. Supports complex programming.

Advantages

• Easy coding.

• Easy debugging.

• Faster development.

• Suitable for large applications.

Disadvantages

1. Requires a compiler or interpreter.

2. Slightly slower than low-level languages.

3. Uses more memory.

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Popular High-Level Languages

BASIC

BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) is one of the earliest high-level languages developed for beginners.

Uses: Education, simple programs, learning programming.

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C Language

C is a powerful programming language developed by Dennis Ritchie in 1972.

Uses: Operating systems, embedded systems, application software.

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C++ Language

C++ is an extension of the C language that supports Object-Oriented Programming (OOP).

Uses: Games, desktop software, simulations, system applications.

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Java Language

Java is a modern object-oriented programming language created by James Gosling.

Its famous principle is "Write Once, Run Anywhere (WORA)."

Uses: Android apps, enterprise software, web applications, cloud computing.

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Evolution of Computer Languages

Programming languages have evolved over time to make programming easier and more efficient.

First Generation Language (1GL)

1. Binary language (0 and 1)

2. Directly understood by the CPU

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Second Generation Language (2GL)

1. Assembly Language

2. Uses mnemonics

3. Requires an Assembler

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Third Generation Language (3GL)

1. English-like syntax

2. Uses Compiler or Interpreter

3. Examples: C, C++, Java, Python

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Fourth Generation Language (4GL)

1. Problem-oriented languages

2. Used for databases and report generation

3. Examples: SQL, MATLAB

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Fifth Generation Language (5GL)

1. Based on Artificial Intelligence

2. Uses Natural Language Processing

3. Examples: Prolog, LISP

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What is a Language Translator?

A Language Translator is software that converts a program written in a programming language into machine language so that the computer can execute it.

The three types of language translators are:

1. Assembler

2. Compiler

3. Interpreter

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1. Assembler

An Assembler converts an Assembly Language program into Machine Language.

Features

1. Converts assembly code into machine code.

2. Creates object code.

3. Used only for Assembly Language.

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2.Compiler

A Compiler translates the entire high-level program into machine code before execution.

Features

1. Translates the complete program at once.

2. Produces object code or executable files.

3. Faster program execution after compilation.

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3. Interpreter

An Interpreter translates and executes the program one line at a time.

Features

1. No object code is generated.

2. Stops immediately when an error occurs.

3. Easier for testing and debugging.

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Compiler vs Interpreter

Compiler

1. Translates the entire program.

2. Faster execution.

3. Generates object code.

4. Reports all errors after compilation.

Interpreter

1. Translates line by line.

2. Slower execution.

3. Does not generate object code.

4. Stops when the first error is found.

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Quick Revision

1. Computer languages are used to communicate with computers.

2. Low-level languages are close to hardware.

3. High-level languages are easy for humans to understand.

4. Machine language uses only binary digits.

5. Assembly language uses mnemonics.

6. High-level languages require a Compiler or Interpreter.

7. Language translators convert programs into machine language.

8. Compilers translate the whole program, while interpreters translate one line at a time.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a computer language?

A computer language is a set of instructions used to communicate with a computer and perform tasks.

What are the two main types of computer languages?

The two main types are Low-Level Languages and High-Level Languages.

What is Machine Language?

Machine Language is the first generation language consisting of binary digits (0 and 1) that are directly understood by the computer.

What is the difference between a Compiler and an Interpreter?

A Compiler translates the entire program before execution, while an Interpreter translates and executes one line at a time.

Why are language translators needed?

Language translators convert programs written in programming languages into machine language, which the computer can understand and execute.

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Conclusion

Computer languages have evolved from simple binary instructions to intelligent AI-based languages, making programming easier and more efficient. Understanding low-level and high-level languages, their evolution, and the role of language translators helps students build a strong foundation in computer science. These concepts are essential for learning modern programming and understanding how software communicates with computer hardware.