2.5.1

High-Level vs Low-Level Languages

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High-Level Languages

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

High-Level 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?

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?

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.
Advantages

Advantages

  • HLLs are quicker to create software because one line of code can perform multiple actions on the CPU.
  • A programmer does not have to think about how a program interacts with hardware. They can focus on creative problem-solving.

Low-Level Languages

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

Low-Level Languages

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 a LLL look like?

What does a 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?

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.
Comparison

Comparison

  • How would you write a simple addition program using values stored in two variables?
  • High-level language
    num1 = 17
    num2 = 4
    print(num1+num2)
  • Low-level language (Little Man Code)
    INP // Input first number
    STA A // Store it in mailbox A
    INP // Input second number
    ADD A // Add the stored first number to the second
    OUT // Output the sum
    HLT // Stop
    A DAT
Jump to other topics
1

Computer Systems

1.1

Systems Architecture

1.1.1Fetch-Execute Cycle1.1.2Common CPU Components & Their Function1.1.3Von Neumann Architecture1.1.4Factors Affecting CPU Performance1.1.5Embedded Systems1.1.6Exam-Style Questions - Von Neumann Architecture1.1.7Diagnostic Misconceptions - Embedded vs General
1.2

Memory & Storage

1.2.1Types of Memory1.2.2Flash Memory1.2.3Properties of Flash Memory1.2.4Running Out of Memory1.2.5Virtual Memory1.2.6Units of Capacity1.2.7Calculating Capacity Requirements1.2.8Solid State Storage1.2.9Properties of Solid State Media1.2.10Magnetic Storage1.2.11Properties of Magnetic Media1.2.12Examples of Magnetic Storage1.2.13Optical Storage1.2.14Properties of Optical Media1.2.15Examples of Optical Storage1.2.16Types of Optical Disk1.2.17Number Bases1.2.18Converting Number Bases1.2.19Hexadecimal1.2.20Using Hexadecimal1.2.21Converting Denary & Hexadecimal1.2.22Binary Addition1.2.23Binary Shifts1.2.24Representing Text1.2.25ASCII & Unicode1.2.26Representing Images1.2.27Converting Binary & Images1.2.28Representing Sound1.2.29Data Compression1.2.30Grade 9 - Storage1.2.31Exam-Style Questions - Primary Memory1.2.32Exam-Style Questions - Storage1.2.33Exam-Style Questions - Data Conversions1.2.34Diagnostic Misconceptions - RAM vs ROM1.2.35Diagnostic Misconceptions - Bits, Nibbles & Bytes1.2.36Diagnostic Misconceptions - Bits Required to Store1.2.37End of Topic Test - Computer Systems1.2.38End of Topic Test - Representation
1.3

Computer Networks, Connections & Protocols

1.3.1Benefit of Networks1.3.2Types of Networks1.3.3Network Performance1.3.4Networks: How Do Packets Get Routed?1.3.5Client-Server Model1.3.6Pros & Cons of Client-Server Model1.3.7Peer-to-Peer Model1.3.8Pros & Cons of Peer-to-Peer Model1.3.9Network Hardware1.3.10Transmission Media1.3.11What is the Internet?1.3.12URLs1.3.13DNS & Web Hosting1.3.14The Cloud1.3.15Pros & Cons of the Cloud1.3.16Star & Mesh Network Topologies1.3.17WiFi1.3.18WiFi Frequency & Channels1.3.19WiFi Encryption1.3.20IP Addresses1.3.21MAC Addresses1.3.22Network Protocols1.3.23Transmission Protocols1.3.24Application Protocols1.3.25Layers1.3.26Advantages of Layering1.3.27Exam-Style Questions - Networking Models1.3.28Exam-Style Questions - Network Protocols1.3.29Diagnostic Misconceptions - LAN vs WAN
1.4

Network Security

1.4.1Forms of Attack1.4.2Penetration Testing1.4.3Malware1.4.4How Malware Spreads1.4.5Social Engineering1.4.6Phishing1.4.7Cracking Passwords1.4.8Denial of Service Attacks1.4.9Data Interception1.4.10Methods of Data Interception1.4.11SQL Injection1.4.12Network Administration1.4.13Network Forensics1.4.14Protecting Against Malware1.4.15Firewalls1.4.16User Access Levels1.4.17Passwords1.4.18Encryption1.4.19End of Topic Test - Networks
1.5

Systems Software

1.5.1System Software1.5.2Utility Software1.5.3Operating Systems1.5.4User Interfaces1.5.5Memory & Process Management1.5.6File Management1.5.7Device Management1.5.8User Management1.5.9Encryption Software1.5.10Defragmentation Software1.5.11Data Compression Software1.5.12Backup Software
1.6

Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Concern

1.6.1Open Source Software1.6.2Proprietary Software1.6.3Licensing Issues1.6.4Ethical Issues - The Digital Divide1.6.5Ethical Issues - Net Neutrality1.6.6Ethical Issues - Working Conditions1.6.7Ethical Issues - Censorship1.6.8Exam-Style Questions - Ethical Issues1.6.9Data Protection Act 19981.6.10Computer Misuse Act (1990)1.6.11Copyright Designs & Patents Act (1988)1.6.12Creative Commons Licensing1.6.13Freedom of Information Act (2000)1.6.14Cultural Issues1.6.15Environmental Issues1.6.16Online Activity Tracking & The Internet of Things1.6.17Stakeholders1.6.18Other Impacts of Digital Technology on Society1.6.19End of Topic Test - Software & Issues1.6.20Diagnostic Misconceptions - Open Source
2

Computational Thinking, Algorithms & Programming

2.1

Algorithms

2.1.1Computational Thinking - Abstraction2.1.2Computational Thinking - Decomposition2.1.3Algorithmic Thinking2.1.4Pseudocode2.1.5Flowchart Diagrams2.1.6Interpreting Algorithms2.1.7Correcting Algorithms2.1.8Completing Algorithms2.1.9Search Algorithms2.1.10Binary Search2.1.11Linear Search2.1.12Overview of Sort Algorithms2.1.13Bubble Sort2.1.14Merge Sort2.1.15Insertion Sort2.1.16Exam-Style Questions - Sorting Algorithms
2.2

Programming Fundamentals

2.2.1Variable Declaration & Assignment2.2.2Input & Output2.2.3Program Flow - Sequence2.2.4Program Flow - Selection2.2.5Program Flow - Iteration2.2.6Arithmetic Operators2.2.7Relational Operators2.2.8Boolean Operators2.2.9Data Types2.2.10Casting2.2.11Arrays2.2.12Strings2.2.13File Handling2.2.14Structuring Data - Records2.2.15Structured Query Language2.2.16Random Number Generation2.2.17End of Topic Test - Programming2.2.18Exam-Style Questions - Translation2.2.19Diagnostic Misconceptions - Comparison Operators2.2.20Diagnostic Misconceptions - = & ==2.2.21Diagnostic Misconceptions - Types of Data2.2.22Diagnostic Misconceptions - Last Line of Code2.2.23Diagnostic Misconceptions - Array Index
2.3

Producing Robust Programs

2.3.1Defensive Design2.3.2Validation & Sanitisation2.3.3Authentication & Contingencies2.3.4Maintainability2.3.5Purpose of Testing2.3.6Types of Testing2.3.7Test Plans2.3.8Types of Errors2.3.9End of Topic Test - Programming2.3.10Exam-Style Questions - Testing
2.4

Boolean Logic

2.4.1Binary Systems2.4.2Logic Circuits2.4.3Boolean Logic2.4.4Boolean Operators2.4.5Grade 9 - Logic
2.5

Programming Languages & IDEs

2.5.1High-Level vs Low-Level Languages2.5.2Translation - Compliers & Interpreter2.5.3Translation - Assemblers2.5.4Integrated Development Environments2.5.5Exam-Style Questions - Translation

Practice questions on High-Level vs Low-Level Languages

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
    What does it mean for a language to be portable?Multiple choice
  2. 2
    Which of these statements look like high-level language?True / false
  3. 3
    Why don't we always use high-level languages?Multiple choice
  4. 4
    Which of these look like low-level statements?True / false
  5. 5
    Which type of language often have more optimised (faster) code?Multiple choice
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Grade 9 - Logic

Translation - Compliers & Interpreter