Types of Programming Languages

Test yourself

High-Level Languages

Most computer languages are written in high-level programming languages.

High-Level Languages

High-level languages (HLLs) include most programming languages such as Python, C++ and Java.
High-level languages are made of human-readable statements that make it easier for us to program.
High-level languages are portable, which means that they can be run on many different types of hardware.

What does a HLL look like?

Commands in a high-level language look very like English. For example:
- print()
- SELECT * FROM users;

Why don't we always use HLLs?

Computers can only process instructions in the form of binary numbers.
We use special software called a translator to convert our HLL source code into an executable binary file.

Low-Level Languages

Low-level programming languages are languages which are much closer to computer-understandable binary.

Low-Level Languages

Low-level languages (LLLs) are much closer to executable machine code than high-level languages.
LLLs are harder to read by humans, but are easier to read for the computer.

What does an LLL look like?

LLL commands are not easy to read, and might include commands such as:
- MOV ax, bx
- CMP ch, dh
- CLI

Why do we use LLLs?

LLLs provide exact control over the central processing unit.
LLLs need less translation, and often lead to faster code which is useful for computers with low specifications such as embedded systems.

1Components of a Computer

1.1Structure & Function of the Processor

1.1.1Structure of the CPU

1.1.2Fetch, Decode, Execute Cycle

1.1.3Factors Affecting CPU Performance

1.1.4CPU Architecture

1.2Types of Processors

1.2.1CISC & RISC

1.2.2Multicore & Parallel Cores

1.3Input, Output & Storage

1.3.1Computer Systems

1.3.2Magnetic Storage

1.3.3Optical Storage

1.3.4Types of Optical Storage

1.3.5Types of Memory

1.3.6Flash Memory

1.3.7Virtual Memory

2Software & Software Development

3Exchanging Data

4Data Types, Data Structures & Algorithms

4.1Data Types

4.1.1Data Types

4.1.2Arrays & Strings

4.1.3Representing Numbers

4.1.4Binary Arithmetic

4.1.5Hexadecimal

4.1.6Converting Binary Numbers

4.1.7Floating Points in Binary

4.1.8Floating Point Arithmetic

4.1.9Bitwise Manipulation

4.1.10Character Sets

4.2Data Structures

4.2.1Arrays, Linked Lists & Queues

4.2.2Graphs, Hash Tables & Stacks

4.2.3Trees

4.3Boolean Algebra

4.3.1Computational Logic

4.3.2Boolean Logic

4.3.3Karnaugh Maps

4.3.4Boolean Identities

4.3.5Flip Flops & Adder Circuits

5Legal, Moral, Cultural & Ethical Issues

5.1Computing Related Legislation

5.1.1Data Protection Act (1998)

5.1.2Computer Misuse Act (1990)

5.1.3Copyright Designs and Patents Act (1988)

5.1.4Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000)

5.2Moral & Ethical Issues

5.2.1Online Activity Tracking

5.2.2Censorship

5.2.3Cultural Issues

5.2.4Environmental Issues

5.2.5Layout, Colour Paradigms & Character Sets

6Elements of Computational Thinking

6.1Thinking Abstractly

6.1.1Abstraction

6.2Thinking Procedurally

6.2.1Decomposition

6.3Thinking Logically

6.3.1Pseudocode & Flow Diagrams

7Problem Solving & Programming

7.1Programming Techniques

7.1.1Programming Fundamentals

7.1.2Modularity

7.2Programming Construction

7.2.1Integrated Development Environments

7.2.2Testing

8Algorithms

8.1Algorithms

8.1.1Interpreting, Correcting & Completing Algorithm

8.1.2Sort Algorithms

8.1.3Insertion & Merge Sort

8.1.4Search Algorithms

Jump to other topics