3.1 Computer Languages Low-Level and High-Level Languages and Translation Programs Machine language Computers are devices that follow instructions, but they only understand (or machine code). Machine language is made up of a sequence of 0s and 1s that the computer interprets electrically as instructions. Programmers plan the set of instructions using an and then write them in a language that the computer can understand. However, it is almost impossible for humans to program using machine language since it is very difficult to remember long sequences of binary code. For this reason, other were invented; they are easier for humans to write, but computers cannot understand them, so special translation programs are needed. machine language algorithm 1 programming languages MORE An algorithm is a detailed sequence of actions to perform or accomplish a task. 1 Low-Level and High-Level Languages are considered closer to computers and their primary function is to operate, manage, and manipulate the computer hardware and components. Programs written in a low-level language are directly executable on the computer hardware without any further translation. and are examples of machine-dependent, low-level languages. Low-level languages (LLL) Machine language assembly language were created with the programmer in mind, and their is closer to a natural language like English. This makes them easier to learn and use. Moreover, they are not machine-dependent, allowing a program written once to be used on different types of computers. High-level languages (HLL) syntax Translation Programs There are three types of : translation programs convert the whole program at once into an . A second program, called a , converts the object file into an . Compilers 2 object file linker executable file take each line of instruction from the , convert it into machine code, and execute it one by one. Interpreters 3 source code translate assembly language into machine code, with each instruction corresponding to one machine code instruction. Assemblers MORE Most commercial programs are sold compiled, so that they will run faster and it will be difficult for others to change the program since it is now in machine code, thus protecting the manufacturer's intellectual property. 2 MORE Lisp was the first example of an interpreter. It was first defined in 1958 by Steve Russell. 3