What is a programming language in computer system?Types of programming languages used in modern computer system

Introduction

Programming languages act as the intermediary between human ideas and computer operations,allowing programmers to develop software applications and systems that drive the digital realm.In this comprehensive manual,we will explore the definition of programming languages,their importance in computer systems and the different types of programming languages utilized in contemporary computing.

Understanding Programming Languages

Computer has emerged as the most useful machine in recent times.It can perform wide variety of tasks like receiving data,processing it and producing useful results.However, being a machine, the computer cannot perform on its own.It needs to be instructed to perform even a simple task like adding two numbers.Computers work on a set of instructions called computer program, which clearly specifies the ways to carry out a task.
An analogy of this may be thought of as the instructions given by the manager or team leader to his/her team.The team members follow those instructions and accordingly perform their duties.Similarly a computer also takes instructions,in the form of computer programs,and carries out the requested task.
A program is a set of instructions that instructs a computer how to perform a specific task. It is written in a high-level language that can be implemented on a number of different processors. A collection of programs can be compared with a recipe book, where each recipe can be assumed as a program. Every recipe has a list of ingredients (fixed data) and a list of instructions detailing exactly what to do with those ingredients. When you follow a recipe, you are actually executing a program.

Now the question arises that how human beings instruct computers. We, as human beings, use natural languages such as English,Spanish or French to communicate.Similarly an user communicates with the computer in a language understood by it. Note that human beings cannot interact directly with the computer using natural languages because, thus far,we have not developed such computers that can comprehend natural languages. Rather, the instructions, provided in the form of computer programs,are developed using computer or programming languages.

Developing of a computer program

As discussed earlier, a computer program consists of a series of instructions that a computer processes to perform the required operation. In addition, it also includes some fixed data, required to perform the instructions, and the process of defining those instructions and data. Thus, in order to develop a program, a programmer must determine three basic rudiments,

The instructions to be performed.
The order in which those instructions are to be performed.
The data required to perform those instruction.

To perform a task using a program, a programmer has to consider various inputs of the program along with the process, which is required to convert the input into the desired output. Suppose we want to calculate the sum of two numbers, A and B, and store the sum in C. Here, A and B are the inputs, addition is the process, and C is the output of the program as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Key aspects of programming languages

Important elements of programming languages consist of

Syntax refers to the organization and regulations governing the writing of code, encompassing elements such as keywords, symbols, and grammar.
Semantics refer to understanding and interpreting code statements, which dictates the logic and operations of programs.
The act of converting code that can be understood by humans into instructions that can be executed by machines using compilers or interpreters is called execution.

Types of Programming Languages

Programming languages are divided into groups according to their functionality, design, and degree of abstraction. The primary programming language families found in contemporary computer systems are as follows:

High-Level Programming Languages

High-level languages abstract away complicated machine-level details in order to make them easily readable and understandable by humans. They provide libraries, data structures, and built-in functions that make coding easier. High-level programming languages include, for instance,

Python: Python is perhaps the most easy-to-use and versatile language that is employed to make websites, software for data analysis, as well as artificial intelligence and scientific computing.
Java: Language that is platform-independent and works with the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is known as Java and is popular for development of enterprise applications, android and large-scale systems.
C#: C# in place is developed by Microsoft and used for creation of applications in .NET framework such as desktop software, web applications, and games.
JavaScript: At present, JavaScript is a multipurpose programming language which is not only used for the front-end of the web applications but also for the back-end (Node.js in the server-side scripting).

Low-Level Programming Languages

Low-level languages are more similar to the binary language of the machine and offer more direct control over hardware resources. Performance-critical tasks and system-level programming are two common uses for them. Low-level language varieties include:

Assembly Language: Represents codes in mnemonic form and is made up of several levels of the system hierarchy, used for core system programming and internal driver software.
C/C++: C is a procedure language that is designed for its efficiency and portability. On the other hand, add object-oriented C++ with wide applications in system software, games and critical performance applications.

Scripting Languages

Programming languages are made for rapid prototyping, task automation, and scripting applications. Instead of being compiled, they are frequently interpreted, providing flexibility and rapid development cycles. Scripting languages examples include:

Bash: The shell programming language used for unix/linux systems that used for automation of system administration tasks and writing command line scripts.
Perl: Very well known for its text processing capabilities, Perl targets system administration, web development, and network programming areas.
Ruby: With a wide range of functionalities, Ruby is a practical language that is effectively utilized for web development (Ruby on Rails framework), scripting, and automation.

Functional Programming Languages

Functional programming languages focus on functional programming paradigms, which prioritize immutable data structures and treat functions as first-class citizens. A few instances are:

Haskell: Celebrated for its rigorous static typing and purity, Haskell is utilised by academics, financial applications as well as people who teach functional programming.
Erlang: Crafted for concurrent, parallel programming, Erlang’s uses include telecommunication systems, messaging platforms, and real-time software.

Domain-Specific Languages (DSL)

Domain-specific languages provide specialized features and abstractions and are designed for particular domains, industries, or problem domains. As examples, consider:

SQL (Structured Query Language): A language that is used for the management of database and querying, this can be applied in database systems and data analytics.
HTML/CSS: Instruction languages like Markup and Styling for creating web pages and user interfaces.
R: A language for statistics with a computing and data analysis focus implemented in the field of data science and machine learning.

How crucial is programming languages for today’s computer systems?

Versatility: Programming languages are not general-purpose. Different ones suit a particular task and field more than the others, giving developers the abilities to pick their preferred tools for the project.
Efficiency: Language choice can, however, affect system performance, resources management and overall development efficiency.
Compatibility: Programming languages are enabling conversable interface among different software components, systems, and platforms, so that system integration becomes smoother.
Innovation: It is the new programming languages and programming paradigms that introduce innovation to the field of software development which in turn enables to solve rapidly evolving problems and seize new opportunities.
Community and Ecosystem: Most of programming languages have open source communities, libraries, frameworks and tools whose purpose is to likes developers and help to collaboration.

Conclusion

Programming languages are the functionally fundamentals of software development that allow developers to create imaginative solutions in the form of applications and systems. Knowledge about the several types of languages and their roles in present computer systems stands as the essential attribute of software engineers, aspiring developers, and technologists in order to be able to navigate through the rapidly changing world of programming and be up-to-date with the latest industry trends and innovations.