Programming means to me simply a set of instructions and Procedures with symbols, Variables, constants and Methods to accomplish a certain task or objective. Programming Languages can be categorize in to three types:
Machine Language
Assembly Language
High-level Language
Machine Language is only machine compatible language. it's a binary codes or strings with O's and 1's. Often Programmers use Machine and assembly language to execute or process certain program and instruction. Assembly Language though uses some symbolic and process instruction, it is not portable either and not often used for access direct hardware and supported by high level languages.
High Level Language such as COBOL, JAVA are highly symbolic and these are closer to English language and human readable unlike binary or machine language. Also, High-level language programs are portable and easier to use software development.
JAVA Programs are used for general-purpose Applications.
COBOL Programs are used for Business applications and Reports.
Shell programming