L1 Characteristics of Languages

Key Terms

• High-Level Language – Easy to read, uses words like print or if (e.g., Python).

• Low-Level Language – Harder to read, works directly with hardware (e.g., Assembly).

• Source Code – The code you write in a language like Python.

• Assembly Code – A step closer to machine code, using short keywords like ADD or LDA.

• Machine Code – The 1s and 0s the CPU actually understands.

What is a Programming Language?

Think of programming languages like giving instructions to a robot. If you said, "Clean the room," the robot wouldn't understand unless you were very specific, like "move forward 2 steps, turn left, pick up toy." High-level languages let us talk more like humans, while low-level languages speak more like the robot.

High-Level Languages

High-level languages are designed for people to write easily. You don’t need to worry about the inner workings of the computer.

Examples: Python, Java, Scratch

Why use them?

• Easy to understand and use

• Work on many computers (portable)

• Great for making apps, websites, and games

Example:

print("Hello World!")

This line tells the computer to show the message "Hello World!"—simple!

Low-Level Languages

Low-level languages are more detailed and give you control over what the computer is doing, step-by-step. They’re like giving exact instructions to a robot arm in a factory.

Examples: Assembly code, machine code

Why use them?

• Very fast to run

• More control over hardware (good for devices like smartwatches or traffic lights)

• Used where memory and performance really matter

Example of Assembly:

LDA 10

ADD 11

STA 12

This adds two numbers from memory and stores the result.

Language Levels Comparison Table

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Mistake: Believing Python is "better" just because it’s easier. 

✅ Tip: Different languages are useful in different situations.

Real-Life Context

Imagine building a smart speaker (like Alexa). The app that listens and talks to you might be written in Python. But the small chip that controls the speaker’s volume or buttons? That might use a low-level language so it works faster and with less power.