A program is a sequence of well-defined instructions to be carried out by computer hardware.
Software can be classified into two categories – system software and application software. System software prepares a computer to be use by a user, e.g., operating system, compiler, editor, etc. Application software performs a particular task for the user, e.g., Microsoft Office, Winamp, Tomb Raider, etc.
A high level language lets you write high level construct to express abstract ideas, instead of low-level machine instructions. However, computer hardware can only understand machine language, therefore a high-level construct to low-level machine language translator, or compiler, is needed.
A high level language can address memory cell by names, rather than address.
Different types of programming language
l Fortran — Formula Translation, mainly for scientific and engineering people.
l C/C++ — System software.
l Pascal — Mainly for teaching purposes.
l COBOL — Mainly for business and banking purposes.
l ADA — Military related control programs with high software reliability.
63 Comments