What is a programming language?

Programming basics

A programming language is a formal computer language or constructed language designed to communicate instructions to a machine, particularly a computer. Programming languages can be used to create programs to control the behavior of a machine or to express algorithms.

The most basic instructions a computer can be given are:

• ADD
• COMPARE
• RETRIEVE
• STORE

Complex capabilities are composed of simple operations.

If we ask a simple question: what is the biggest item on this list, we might use complex code like this:

$list_of_numbers = [12,1,54,8,19,4,13,21,12,89,-1,6]

echo max($list_of_numbers);

But the computer (using fundamental operations) will process the above instructions like this:

LOAD register 00001
ADD 12
STORE result
COMPARE result to register 0002

An example

Below is an example of a program language designed to communicate instructions to a machine. The piano is "fed" instructions which enable it to play a simple song. The song is an example of a program. Can you imagine how difficult it might be to "write" these instructions?!?

Essential features of a programming language

• Fixed vocabulary
• Unambiguous meaning
• Consistent grammar & syntax

Standards

• State the fundamental operations of a computer.
• Distinguish between fundamental and compound operations of a computer.
• Explain the essential features of a computer language.
• Explain the need for higher level languages.
• Outline the need for a translation process from a higher level language to machine executable code.

Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.

Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.

Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.

Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.

Give a brief account.