What is the difference between high-level and low-level programming languages?

High-level programming languages are more user-friendly and easier to read, while low-level languages are closer to machine code.

High-level programming languages are designed to be more user-friendly, with a syntax that is easier to read and write. These languages are often described as being 'further from the machine' because they are designed to be more abstract and less directly tied to the specific hardware of a computer. This abstraction makes high-level languages more portable across different types of hardware. Examples of high-level languages include Python, Java, and C++. These languages provide a level of abstraction that hides the underlying hardware details from the programmer. They are easier to learn and use, especially for beginners, as they often use English-like phrases and incorporate elements of human language and mathematics. For further reading, see fundamental programming constructs.

On the other hand, low-level programming languages are closer to machine code, or binary. They provide little or no abstraction from the hardware and are often used for tasks that require direct control over the hardware, such as writing operating systems or device drivers. Examples of low-level languages include Assembly and Machine Code. These languages are more difficult to read and write, as they involve detailed knowledge of the hardware. However, they can be more efficient in terms of execution speed and memory usage, as they allow the programmer to optimise the code to the specific hardware. To learn more about how these languages function at the hardware level, explore assembly language and machine code.

Understanding the differences between these programming paradigms is crucial for any computer science student or professional. For a deeper exploration of these and other programming paradigms, refer to understanding programming paradigms.

A-Level Computer Science Tutor Summary: High-level programming languages, like Python, Java, and C++, are easier to use and understand because they're closer to human language. They work on various computers without needing to change much. Low-level languages, such as Assembly and Machine Code, are closer to the computer's basic instructions and are used for detailed control over hardware, but they're harder to learn and use.