CBCT 2203

Basic Concepts of
Information technology

Topic: 6
Programming Language
Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

• Explain the concept of programming language
• State FIVE generations of computer language
• Identify SIX characteristics of programming language
• Recognise different types of programming languages

Page 2
Programming

What is Programming?
Introduction

• Computers programs are developed by using programming

language
• A program is set of instructions followed by the computer,
so that the data can be processed
• The process of producing a program is called programming
Programming Language

A programming language is similar to a natural language like

English in several aspects.

Years Programming Language

1950s Lisp, Fortran

1960s-1970s Basic, C, SmallTalk, Pascal, Scheme

1990s C, C++, BETA, Java, Prolog

Why Do We Need to Know Programming Languages?

Producing more
efficient solutions

Understanding Programming
weaknesses of the languages will
programming influence users’
language thinking in solving
Benefits of problems
Understanding
Programming
Programming
Knowing Language Languages are
superiority of the
tools for solving
programming
problems by using
languages and
the computer.
where it is suitable
 Programming Languages and Their Field of Application

Fortran Scientific calculations 1956

Lisp Symbol calculation, artificial intelligence 1957

C System development 1974

COBOL Business-oriented system development 1960

Visual Basic System development, graphical user interface 1990

C++ Large and complex system development 1984

Internet applications, graphical user interface,

Java 1995
enterprise system development
Internet, common gateway interface (CGI), text
Perl 1990
processing
Programming Language Generations & Examples

• Natural language • Difficult

like English • Need remember
• Artificial binary code and
intelligence. numbers
• Eg:IF patient sick • Eg; 10010001
THEN examine body

temperature.
• known as
problem-oriented • More easier and
language. 1st
4
5 th effective
• require less Machine
32rdndAlgorithmic
Assembly • Use symbols and
instructions Natural
Query words to
• use query
represent data
language (SQL • Eg; ADD
language)
120(8,13), 02B(4,7)
• eg: FIND Name =“
• use high level
MAZLAN”
language (COBOL,

C and Fortran)
• resemble more
the
human natural
language.
Approach: Classification of Programming Languages
Imperative • Every instruction for solving problem needs to be stated clearly
• Each instruction for solving problem will be executed step by step
• Can be likened to a recipe for cooking
Object- • To develop systems that are large and complex
oriented • Handles images, audio, video and sound much easier

Logic-based • Logic-based language focuses more on problem statement, not on how

to solve problem
• The software system is responsible for solving stated problem
Function- • Emphasises what needs to be calculated and not how to calculate
based • The program is in the form of functions

Script • Scripting languages are translated languages that are normally

produced for certain objective
• They can be used for developing prototypes rapidly
Visual • Programming using a visual language replaces instructions based on
text with icon symbols
• Each icon represents an object or general programming function like
copy, delete, open file
Common Programming Languages

C C++
Portable language, Common Adds on object
where users can Programming features to the C
only need to re- Language language based on
compile programs ideas from Simula
of new operating language.
system in order to
produce suitable
code.

Perl Python Java

Scripting language Scripting language An object-based
used in processing based on objects language. It has
text, CGI, which can be used the features of C+
database to develop + and Simula
communication. prototype, process
data based on text
and communicate
with database.
Language Processor

Assembler Compiler
Convert assembly Convert high level
language into machine language (eg; Basic,
codes Pascal) into machine
codes.
Language
Processor

Interpreters

Interpret and execute

instructions one by one
in high level language.
Language Processor

Compiler vs Interpreter