4.2.1 | PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES AND IDEs

Topics from the Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Computer Science 0984 syllabus 2023 - 2025

OBJECTIVES
​Explain what is meant by a high-level language and a low-level language, including the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Advantages and disadvantages include:

• ease of reading and writing code e.g. low-level is hard to read
• ease of debugging code
• machine independence
• direct manipulation of hardware

ALSO IN THIS TOPIC
4.1.1 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
 4.1.2 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
4.1.3 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
 4.1.4 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
 YOU ARE HERE | 4.2.1 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
4.2.2 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
4.2.3 - 4.2.4 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
4.2.5 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
SOFTWARE REVISION CARDS
TOPIC 4 KEY TERMINOLOGY
TOPIC 4 ANSWERS
TOPIC 4 TEACHER RESOURCES

HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGES

A high-level programming language is a type of computer programming language that provides a high level of abstraction from the computer's hardware. This means that the programmer does not need to worry about low-level details such as memory management and error handling, as these tasks are handled automatically by the language.
Examples of high-level languages include Python, Java, and C++. They are easier to read, write and maintain compared to low-level languages and provide a higher level of abstraction, making them more suited for general-purpose programming tasks.
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High-level languages are widely used for developing applications such as web development, data analysis, and desktop applications. They provide a more user-friendly interface and offer higher productivity, since the programmer can focus on the logic and functionality of the program, rather than the underlying hardware.
Overall, high-level languages provide a higher level of abstraction and make it easier to write and maintain code, but may have performance trade-offs compared to low-level languages, and have less control over the system's hardware.
Before a High level language will run it needs to go through a complier or interpreter, these will check the code for syntax errors and converts the code ready to run.

Advantages of High-Level Programming Languages: 

• Readability and Simplicity: High-level programming languages are designed to be easily read and written by humans, making it easier to write and understand code.
• Abstraction: High-level programming languages provide high-level abstractions that hide low-level details, making the code easier to write and maintain.
• Portability:  High-level programming languages are platform-independent, which makes it easier to run the same code on different systems without making any changes.
• Libraries and Frameworks: High-level programming languages have a large number of libraries and frameworks available, which can save time and effort in developing software.
• Debugging and Testing: Debugging and testing are easier in high-level programming languages due to the availability of tools and the simplicity of the code.

Disadvantages of High-Level Programming Languages:

• Performance: High-level programming languages can be slower and less efficient than low-level programming languages, as they require more processing power and memory.
• Limited Control: High-level programming languages provide less control over the hardware and system resources, as they hide low-level details.
• Dependency: High-level programming languages often depend on runtime libraries and systems, which can cause compatibility issues and increase the size of the code.
• Steep Learning Curve: High-level programming languages can have a steep learning curve for those who are used to low-level programming, as they require a different mindset and way of thinking.

LOW LEVEL LANGUAGES

​A low-level programming language is a type of computer programming language that provides minimal abstraction from the computer's hardware. This means that the programmer must perform many tasks, such as memory management and error handling, that are usually handled automatically by higher-level languages.

Examples of low-level languages include Assembly language and Machine code. They are closer to the binary code that the computer's processor executes and offer more direct control over the computer's hardware, but are more difficult to read, write and maintain than higher-level languages.

Low-level languages are generally used in specialized applications such as system programming, operating system development, device drivers, or embedded systems programming, where the low-level control is necessary for performance or specific hardware interactions.

Overall, low-level languages provide a closer interaction with the computer's hardware and offer more control over the system, but require more time and effort from the programmer and can be more error-prone compared to higher-level languages.

Advantages of Low-Level Programming Languages:

• Performance: Low-level programming languages are closer to the machine language and provide more direct control over the hardware, leading to higher performance and faster execution.
• Resource Management: Low-level programming languages offer more control over system resources, allowing for more efficient use of memory and processing power.
• System Programming: Low-level programming languages are often used for system programming, such as writing operating systems and device drivers, as they provide the necessary control over the hardware.
• Smaller Code Size: Low-level programming languages often result in smaller code size, as they provide more direct control over the hardware and require less overhead.

Disadvantages of Low-Level Programming Languages:

• Complexity: Low-level programming languages are often more complex and harder to read and write than high-level programming languages, as they require more detailed knowledge of the underlying hardware and system resources.
• Portability: Low-level programming languages are often platform-specific and may not be portable to other systems, requiring code changes to be made when moving to a different platform.
• Error Prone: Low-level programming languages are more error-prone, as small mistakes can have a large impact on the system and can be difficult to debug.
• Limited Abstraction: Low-level programming languages provide limited abstraction, which means that the programmer must be aware of low-level details such as memory management and hardware resources.

1. ​What is the main difference between high-level and low-level programming languages?
2. Can you provide an example of a commonly used high-level programming language?
3. What is the advantage of using a high-level programming language over a low-level language?
4. What type of tasks are low-level programming languages commonly used for?
5. Can you explain the concept of abstraction in relation to programming languages?
6. How does the level of a programming language impact the performance of a program?
7. Why might a programmer choose to use a low-level programming language over a high-level one?
8. Can you provide an example of a low-level programming language commonly used for system programming?
9. What are the disadvantages of using a low-level programming language?
10. How does the choice of programming language impact the development process?

ALSO IN THIS TOPIC

4.1.1 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
4.1.2 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
4.1.3 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
4.1.4 TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND INTERRUPTS
4.2.1 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
4.2.2 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
4.2.3 - 4.2.4 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
4.2.5 TYPES OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
SOFTWARE REVISION CARDS
TOPIC 4 KEY TERMINOLOGY
TOPIC 4 ANSWERS
TOPIC 4 TEACHER RESOURCES