What is a high-level language?

Computer languages ​​are divided into high-level languages ​​and low-level languages. High-level language is mainly relative to assembly language. It is programming that is closer to natural language and mathematical formulas. It is basically separated from the hardware system of the machine and writes programs in a way that is easier for people to understand. The program written is called the source program.

High-level language does not refer to a specific language, but includes many programming languages, such as the popular java, c, c, C#, pascal, python, lisp, prolog, FoxPro, Yi Language, Chinese version of C language, etc. The syntax and command format of these languages ​​are different.

Low-level language is divided into machine language (binary language) and assembly language (symbolic language), both of which are machine-oriented languages, and The instruction set of the specific machine is closely related. Machine languages ​​use instruction codes to write programs, while symbolic languages ​​use instruction mnemonics to write programs.

High-level language has nothing to do with the computer's hardware structure and instruction system. It has stronger expression ability, can easily express data operations and program control structures, and can better describe Various algorithms and easy to learn and master. However, the program code generated by high-level language compilation is generally longer than the program code designed in assembly language, and the execution speed is also slower. Therefore, assembly language is suitable for writing programs that require high speed and code length and programs that directly control hardware. High-level languages, assembly language, and machine language are all languages ​​used for writing computer programs.

High-level language programs "cannot see" the hardware structure of the machine and cannot be used to write system software or device control software that directly accesses the machine's hardware resources. To this end, some high-level languages ​​provide calling interfaces with assembly language. A program written in assembly language can be used as an external procedure or function in a high-level language, using the stack to pass parameters or the address of parameters.

The abstraction of programming language from machine language to high-level language, The main benefits are:

High-level language is close to algorithm language, easy to learn and master, general engineering Technical personnel can be competent as programmers after only a few weeks of training;

High-level languages ​​provide programmers with a structured programming environment and tools, making the designed programs readable and maintainable Strong flexibility and high reliability;

High-level languages ​​are far away from machine languages ​​and have little to do with specific computer hardware, so the programs written have good portability and high reuse rate;

Because The complicated and trivial matters are handed over to the compiler, so the degree of automation is high, the development cycle is short, and programmers are relieved and can concentrate their time and energy on creative work that is more important to them to improve the efficiency of the program. quality.

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