Programming Languages

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.

In the beginning, there were Assembly Languages. Assembly languages allow programmers to write code specific for each type of CPU and operating system. They are referred to as low level languages because their language is not far removed from machine language. When C was introduced in the 1970s, it popularized what is known as structured programming. C++ grew out of C and added an object-oriented programming approach. Visual programming adds a user-friendly development interface to the programming process. Where are program languages going today? Languages like Java and C# allow you to write programs that, once compiled, can run on multiple operating systems. Under development, but not entirely operational yet, natural language programming systems allow code to be written in plain English, and artificial intelligence systems are designed to learn and grow intelligently – essentially programming themselves.