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Explain The Programming Language Generations

The generations of programming languages progressed from machine code to become more human-readable and portable. First generation languages used direct machine code that was fast but not portable. Second generation introduced assembly code with mnemonics to make code easier to read and write while still mapping directly to machine instructions. Third generation brought high-level languages that were machine-independent, more programmer friendly, and faster to write using features like loops and conditionals. Fourth generation focused on reducing programming work and costs through domain-specific languages.

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Arnold Ndukuyu
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88 views

Explain The Programming Language Generations

The generations of programming languages progressed from machine code to become more human-readable and portable. First generation languages used direct machine code that was fast but not portable. Second generation introduced assembly code with mnemonics to make code easier to read and write while still mapping directly to machine instructions. Third generation brought high-level languages that were machine-independent, more programmer friendly, and faster to write using features like loops and conditionals. Fourth generation focused on reducing programming work and costs through domain-specific languages.

Uploaded by

Arnold Ndukuyu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Explain the Programming Language Generations

First Generation

The first generation program language is pure machine code included only ones and zeros. Programmers
had to write their code by hand then transfer it to a computer via a punch tape, punch card or flicking
switches. There is no need to translate the code and it will run straight away. Below are its advantages
and disadvantages:

Advantages

 It was fast and efficient


 Code can make use of particular processor features e.g. special registers

Disadvantages

 Code is not portable


 Appending the code is a tedious process.

Second Generation

It is otherwise known as Assembly code. Its lines of code resemble English, making programming easier.
Use of mnemonic codes such as LDA for load and STA for store means the code is easier to read and
write. An assembler is used to convert the assembly code into object code or machine code which can
be directly understood by the computer.

Advantages

 Code can be fast and efficient


 Code can make use of specific processor features such as special registers
 It is easier to read and write when compared to machine code

Disadvantages

 Not portable – machine dependent

Third Generation (High Level Language)

Third-generation programming languages brought about a lot of programmer-friendly features, for


example, iterations, conditionals and classes. Third generation languages are imperative, meaning that
code is executed line by line, in sequence. Converting a 3rd generation program into object code
requires a Compiler or an Interpreter.

A single line of third generation code can sum up several lines of object (machine) code, making coding
fast and also saving time.

Advantages

 Machine independence, can be easily ported to other computers.


 Programmer friendly, and saves time as one line of 3rd gen is equal to many lines of 1st and 2nd
gen languages

Disadvantages

 Limited functionality of certain processor specific functions.

Fourth Generation

Fourth-generation languages are designed to cut down on the programming work and the time needed
to develop software. This also results in a reduction in the cost of software development. Fourth gen
languages are developed for a specific purpose such as; to query databases (SQL), languages to make
reports (Oracle Reports) and languages to construct user interface (XUL).

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