Program
A program is a set of instructions that tells a computer how to perform a specific task. In simple words, it is like a recipe that guides the computer step by step to solve a problem or complete an operation. Programs are written using programming languages, which the computer can understand and execute.
Types of Programming Languages
Programming languages are classified into different types based on how close they are to human language or machine language:
- Machine Language
- The lowest-level language, consisting of binary code (0s and 1s).
- Directly understood by the computer’s CPU.
- Example:
10101010 11001100
- Assembly Language
- A slightly higher-level language using short codes called mnemonics.
- Requires an assembler to convert it into machine language.
- Example:
MOV A, 5
- High-Level Language
- Closer to human language, easier to read and write.
- Requires a compiler or interpreter to convert into machine language.
- Examples: Python, C, C++, Java
- Low-Level vs High-Level Language
- Low-level: Fast, harder to understand (Machine & Assembly).
- High-level: Easy to understand, slower execution.
Conclusion
Programs are essential for making computers functional, and choosing the right programming language depends on the task, complexity, and efficiency needed.