Introduction to Programming Languages

By IntroBooks Team

Computers form an inevitable part of modern human lives.
Computers ranging from mainframes to smartphones are in use
today. Ever since the advent of programmable computers, a
number of programming languages have come. In simple terms,
a programming language gives instructions to the computer. A
programming language has a syntax and semantics. Unlike
machine codes or assembly language, a high-level language can
be easily understood just like a communication language.
Different languages have different purposes. While some are
used to program huge mainframe computers, some are
object-oriented and yet some others are scripting languages,
mostly used in connection with the web. From FORTRAN to
Swift, computer programming has evolved a lot over the years.
Open sourcing has led to the development of a number of
languages after 1990. The newest ones lay great importance to
mobility, distribution, reliability and security.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IntroBooks
• Release date: Nov 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393437413

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Introduction to Programming Languages

IntroBooks #588

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Preface

Computers form an inevitable part of modern human lives. Computers ranging from mainframes to smartphones are in use today. Ever since the advent of programmable computers, a number of programming languages have come. In simple terms, a programming language gives instructions to the computer. A programming language has a syntax and semantics. Unlike machine codes or assembly language, a high-level language can be easily understood just like a communication language. Different languages have different purposes. While some are used to program huge mainframe computers, some are object-oriented and yet some others are scripting languages, mostly used in connection with the web. From FORTRAN to Swift, computer programming has evolved a lot over the years. Open sourcing has led to the development of a number of languages after 1990. The newest ones lay great importance to mobility, distribution, reliability and security.

Summary

Programming is the way by which humans interact with computers. High-level languages are easier to code and understand. A code typically consists of data and logic to process the data. Data are of different data types like integer, floating-point, alphabetic, alphanumeric, Boolean, etc. Some programs support user-defined data types. Programs also handle constant data.

Before coding a program to perform a task, the problem should be analyzed thoroughly. The next step is creating an algorithm. An algorithm details the steps to be executed in sequence to solve a problem. An algorithm can be represented using a flow chart also. An algorithm can be easily explained using flowcharts.

A program has both syntax and semantics. The set of rules related to the use of symbols and words in a language forms the syntax. Semantics is related to the logic of the program.

All the programming languages have some