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Evolution of Programming Languages Overview

Apr 17, 2025

Overview of Programming Languages

Assembly Language

  • Low-level programming language.
  • Allows humans to give instructions to computer hardware.
  • Translates human-readable code into binary (0s and 1s) using an assembler.
  • One of the world's first programming languages, used historically to run supercomputers.
  • Still used for CPU memory and in web browsers via WebAssembly.

High-Level Languages

  • Easier to understand than low-level languages but execute slower.
  • Examples include Fortran, COBOL, and BASIC.

Fortran

  • Created by IBM in the 1950s; "Formula Translator."
  • Used punch cards for programming.
  • Compiling translates human-readable code into binary.

COBOL

  • "Common Business Oriented Language."
  • Developed in 1959 for business applications.
  • Still used by financial institutions.
  • Code resembles English sentences.

BASIC

  • Created in 1963 at Dartmouth.
  • Designed to be easy for laypeople to learn coding.

Other Notable Languages

Lisp

  • Known for extensive use of parentheses.
  • Influential in the development of programming concepts.

RPG (IBM Report Program Generator)

  • Uses rows and columns for its code structure.

ALGOL 60

  • Influenced the development of C language.
  • Introduced nested functions.

APL

  • Developed for mathematical equations.
  • Utilizes math and Greek symbols in code.

Simula

  • One of the first object-oriented programming languages.

SQL

  • "Structured Query Language."
  • Used for database management with tables, rows, and columns.

C

  • Developed in the 1970s at Bell Labs.
  • Basis for operating systems like Windows and Linux.
  • Introduced low-level memory access with pointers.

C++

  • Extension of C, adding object-oriented programming.
  • Steep learning curve but crucial for systems, databases, and games.

Java

  • Platform-independent language, popular for games and Android apps.

Python

  • General-purpose language, popular for AI and easy to learn.

JavaScript

  • Used for web browsers, often in conjunction with HTML and CSS.

R

  • Focuses on statistics and data visualization.

Ruby

  • Similar to Python; used with Rails for web development.

Swift

  • Apple's primary language for iOS development.

Rust

  • Modern alternative to C/C++, focuses on performance and memory safety.

Solidity

  • Used for developing on the Ethereum blockchain, creating smart contracts.

Elixir

  • Runs on Erlang's virtual machine, used in telecom and finance.

Summary

This lecture covers the evolution and characteristics of various programming languages from low-level to high-level, focusing on their purposes, origins, and contributions to computing.

Full transcript