Code
Computing: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 4.1.1
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Computer language
- Image that you have an algorithm for a computer task.
- Once you have an algorithm, you need to turn it into a computer language.
- This helps the computer understand and follow the steps in the algorithm.
Computer languages
- There are many computer languages for creating programs.
- A program is a set of instructions to carry out a task.
Machine code
- At the lowest level, the computer uses machine code.
- Machine code is based on the numbers 0 and 1.
- The machine code system is called ‘binary’.
- It is called 'binary' because there are only two numerals you can use.
Higher-level languages
- BASIC, C, Java, and HTML are all names of higher-level computer languages.
- Higher-level computer languages are designed to be closer to human language.
- Each of the languages uses different codes.
- Each language is different, just like Spanish is different from English.
Test yourself on Code
What does the computer use at the lowest level?
What are high-level computer languages designed for?