Programming Languages works: Definition, Types, and Their Use

Programming language is a term that is definitely familiar to you novice programmers. By using this language, you can make your PC or smartphone work properly, make functions that can automatically turn off in air conditioners, and make robots.

However, what exactly is a programming language? What are some examples? And how is it different from other languages in programming? Don’t worry, on this occasion we will explain it in depth especially for you.

Programming Languages

What is a Programming Language?

Based on the official Tech Terms and Hackr pages, the definition of a programming language is as follows:

Just like humans, computers also need language in order to communicate. A combination of various words in a programming language will be strung together to have a purpose, meaning, and also a symbol for a certain thing.

In addition, the computer also has the same characteristics. There are lots of components that must communicate with each other until the computer can work properly.

For example, how can a microphone capture your sound waves and then record them and store them on a computer? The microphone will talk through the cable that there is sound information that must be forwarded to the computer.

The components on this computer will process and talk to each other until it becomes a document that has voice content. Well, this talk and chat is written using a programming language.

It was written by programmers in the form of various sequences or things that must be done by a computer when a human is carrying out an activity, including sound recording activities.

Simply put, a programming language is a series of commands and instructions belonging to a computer when humans interact with it.

One of its functions is to create a website, write commands for PC computers, make games, to make various types of applications.

Programming Language Level

Based on the explanation above, we can see that programming languages are a solution and also a movement from writing binary languages that are done manually. In fact, this creates a level dichotomy of the language itself.

Generally, there are two levels of programming languages. The two levels of the programming language are high-level language and low-level language.

Sourced from the Tech Terms page, high-level language is a language created to facilitate communication steps between each component belonging to the computer itself.

These programming languages are written in a series of words that humans can actually understand, such as the C++, Python, PHP, C# programming languages, and many more.

On the other hand, the Tech Terms page explains that low-level language is the type of language used by a computer or machine.

Well, binary language is one part of the low-level language. Apart from that, there are also low-level languages in the form of encryption or using certain symbols to store special information.

Apart from that, there are also some simple commands, such as MOV to move, ADD to add, to SUB to subtract.

5 Commonly Used Programming Languages

1. Java

Java is a more versatile programming language. That means, Java can support almost all devices, from PCs to smartphones. In addition, Java has the advantage of being easy to use. Lots of Android smartphone applications are created using the Java language.

Uniquely, the language developed by Sun Microsystems in 1991 has a very interesting story. The name Java was chosen because the creator of Java named James Gosling really liked this type of ground coffee or brewed coffee from Java.

2.PHP

Most of the website pages that we frequently visit are usually created using the PHP language. The PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) programming language is the language used by various large websites, such as WordPress, Facebook, and many more.

By using this language, you can use it to develop a website according to your wishes. Besides that, another advantage aside from being free to use is that there are already lots of tutorials on how to use the PHP language.

3. C language

C programming language is the oldest language. This language was created by Dennis Ritchie in the 70’s. Today, anyone who is studying or studying programming must definitely learn the C language first. Because, the C language became the origin of the programming language that is currently well known in the world.

4. Visual Basic

Virtual Basic is a language that was successfully developed by Microsoft as the basic language of its program. In particular, Virtual Basic was created to create various types of applications based on Microsoft’s Windows operating system.

5.Python

Python is a very well-known programming language and is a high-level language. Why? because you can develop applications with various functions when using Python.

Python is also quite easy to learn for beginners or anyone who intends to develop applications, because this language is very easy to understand and read. Some applications that use the Python language are Instagram, Pinterest, to the number one search engine in the world, namely Google.

Programming Languages and Other Languages

In programming, there is not only a programming language. There are also the terms markup language and scripting language. The following is an explanation between the two based on the Code Snail and Geeks for Geeks pages.

1. Programming Language VS Markup language

Actually, we can see the difference between markup language and programming language clearly. Markup language will only be used to change the appearance of the website into various special codes. This code is used because the computer system is no longer able to communicate with human language.

So, a website display will be written using a markup language, sent, and translated into a website display.

That means, there is no logic or interaction between the user and the computer. The user can only open the website, and the computer only has to translate the markup language into the appearance of the website.

2. Programming Language VS Scripting Language

Basically, scripting language is one part of the programming language itself. Both have the same function, which is to give instructions and logic to the computer regarding what to do.

Well, the difference is in how the computer reads it.

The programming language will read by first translating thoroughly into binary language. This process is known as compile.

Of course, this makes it faster to run because the computer can immediately understand all the commands that must be executed.

On the other hand, scripting languages will be read line by line, so not everything is translated directly by the computer.