Languages & Environments

Key points

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  Low-level languages generally allow for a one to one conversion into machine code (binary)
  
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  Hexadecimal notation is a low-level language
  
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  Assembly code is a low-level language
  
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  Assembly code is architecture dependent (different codes exist for different types of processor)
  
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  Assembly code is not fully portable because of architecture dependence
  
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  Assembly code needs to be converted to binary using an assembler
  
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  Low-level languages are hard to learn
  

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  Optimisation of code
  
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  Where no translator software exists
  
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  Greater control of hardware features (e.g. in small embedded computers such as home appliances)
  

High-level languages would require more space in processor and memory to hold the translator software that will be used to create binary.

High-level languages

Most contemporary programming is carried out using high-level languages. High-level languages have the following characteristics:

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  Require translation
  
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  Portable
  
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  Easier to read, write and maintain as commands are similar to English
  
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  Allow access to module libraries
  
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  Use data types and data structures, selection statements and repetition/iteration constructs
  
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  Use logic operators and functions that are built into the language