Programming Languages

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A programming language is like any other language. It has its own vocabulary and rules of grammar (syntax). Instead of facilitating communication between two people, a programming language allows humans to write commands understood by the computer. Because the computer only understands one language (called machine language), the programming code must be translated into machine language before the computer can execute the commands.

Programming languages fall into two categories, depending on how they are translated into machine language:

Compiled languages are translated into machine language all at once. The programmer writes the code, then runs a program (called a compiler) which translates the code. An advantage of programs written in a compiled language is that they run quickly, because the computer can get all of its instructions at once. However, these languages are usually difficult to learn. Also, testing can be tedious, because the program has to be compiled in its entirety before testing, making it difficult to pinpoint which part of the code is causing the problem. Examples of compiled languages include:

Interpreted languages are translated into machine language step-by-step. This makes execution of the program slower, because the computer has to wait for each instruction to be translated. However, these languages are easier to write and test because each step of the process can be tested independently. Examples of interpreted languages include:


The examples discussed in this task are just a few of the thousands of different programming languages. If you are interested in learning more about programming languages, go to an Internet search site (like www.yahoo.com or www.google.com) and search for "programming languages".

Programming languages for the Internet include:

  • HTML (HyperText Markup Language)—the language that all Web pages understand
  • JavaScript—extends the functionality of HTML to allow more sophisticated programming elements
  • XML (eXtensible Markup Language)—allows customization of HTML
  • Java—used for writing applications that run from the Web (referred to as "applets")
  • C# (C Sharp)—similar to Java, used for writing applications to run in Microsoft's .NET web-based platform

When you record a macro in Microsoft Word, you are actually working in a programming language called Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), a version of Visual Basic designed specifically to work with the Microsoft Office applications. To see the code for a macro you've recorded, click the Tools menu, point to Macro, and click Macros... Click the macro name, then click the Edit... button. The Visual Basic Editor will open, showing you the code for the recorded macro.

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Evolution of programming languages:

Assembly Language—CPU and operating system specific. Referred to as low level languages because their language was not far removed from machine language. Difficult to learn and use.

Structured Programming—Can be compiled for different CPUs and operating systems. Provides a more logical structure than assembly language, programming code is written in precise segments, with well-defined beginnings and ends.

Object-Oriented Programming—Allows pieces of code (objects) to be re-used throughout the program. Eliminates the need to write new code for common functions. Instead, programmers can re-use objects already written.

Visual Programming—Eliminates the need to type code line-by-line by providing a graphical user interface allowing programmers to drag-and-drop objects and commands to create the code.

Cross-Platform Operability—Allows a single version of the program to run on multiple operating systems.

Natural Language—Syntax is flexible, allowing commands to be written as "regular" sentences with descriptive language. Eliminates need to learn coding language in order to create computer programs.

Artificial Intelligence—System is given the ability to "learn" and to program itself as necessary to add new functionality.