Unit 1 Principles of programming Fonttype: Californian FB
1. Command
A command is a directive given to a computer to perform a specific task. It is usually typed in a
command-line interface (CLI) or console.
Example: dir (in Windows) lists all files and folders.
2. Instruction
An instruction is a single operation executed by a computer processor. It is the smallest unit of
work in a program and is written in machine code or assembly language.
Example: MOV A, B (move data from B to A in assembly language)
3. Program
A program is a set of instructions written in a programming language to perform a specific task
or solve a problem when executed by a computer.
Example: A calculator program to add two numbers.
4. Programmer
A programmer is a person who writes, tests, and maintains programs. Also called a developer or
coder.
Role: Translates real-world problems into code solutions.
5. Programming
Programming is the process of writing, designing, testing, debugging, and maintaining source
code to create software applications.
Involves: Algorithms, logic building, syntax usage.
6. Programming Language
A programming language is a formal language comprising instructions that computers can
understand and execute.
Examples: Python, Java, C++, JavaScript.
Types of programming language
1. Low level language
2. High level language
1) Low-Level Language
A low-level language is a type of programming language that provides little or no abstraction
from a computer's hardware. It is closer to machine code and is designed to be executed
directly by the computer hardware.
Low-level languages are faster and more memory-efficient, but harder to learn and use
compared to high-level languages.
✅Types Low-Level Language
1. Machine Language (Machine Code)
Written in binary (0s and 1s).
Directly understood by the computer's CPU.
Fastest to execute, but very difficult to read, write, and debug.
Machine-specific: a program written for one processor may not work on another.
Example:
10110000 01100001
(This instruction loads a value into a CPU register.)
2. Assembly Language
Uses mnemonics (short codes like MOV, ADD, SUB) instead of binary.
Requires an assembler to convert it into machine language.
Easier than machine language, but still hardware-dependent.
Mostly used in embedded systems, drivers, and system-level programming.
Example:
MOV A, 5
ADD A, 2
✅Difference between Machine language and Assembly language
Feature Machine Language Assembly Language
Syntax Binary (0s and 1s) Mnemonics (e.g., MOV, ADD)
Human Readability Very low Moderate
Execution Speed Very high High
Portability Not portable Not portable
Translator Required No (CPU executes directly) Yes (Assembler)
2) High-Level Language
A high-level language is a programming language that is closer to human language and
further from machine code. It allows programmers to write instructions in a more readable,
understandable, and portable way.
High-level languages are designed to be easy to learn and use, focusing more on logic and
problem-solving than on hardware details.
Requires a compiler or interpreter to translate code into machine language.
Portable across different hardware platforms.
✅Types of High-Level Language
High-level languages can be categorized into several types based on their design and usage:
1. Procedural Language
Focuses on step-by-step instructions (procedures or functions).
Emphasizes code reusability and structured programming.
Commonly used in system-level and general-purpose programming.
Examples: C, Pascal, BASIC, Fortran
2. Object-Oriented Language (OOP)
Based on the concept of objects and classes.
Supports encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
Ideal for large, complex applications.
Examples: C++, Java, Python, C#, Swift
3. Functional Language
Emphasizes mathematical functions and avoids changing state or mutable data.
Useful for concurrent and parallel programming.
Examples: Haskell, Lisp, Erlang, Scala
4. Scripting Language
Often interpreted (not compiled).
Used for automating tasks, web development, and glue code between systems.
Examples: Python, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, Bash
5. Logic-Based Language
Based on formal logic (rules and facts).
Commonly used in AI and problem-solving applications.
Examples: Prolog, Datalog
6. Database Query Language
Used to interact with databases.
Focused on data retrieval, insertion, and management.
Example: SQL (Structured Query Language)
✅Difference between low level and high level language
Feature High-Level Language Low-Level Language
Readability Easy to read and write Difficult (binary/assembly)
Portability High (platform-independent) Low (hardware-specific)
Speed Slower than low-level Very fast
Translation Needed Compiler/Interpreter Assembler or None (machine)
Ease of Debugging Easier Harder
Software
Software is a collection of programs, data, and instructions that tell a computer how to
perform specific tasks. Unlike hardware (which is the physical part of a computer), software is
the intangible part – you can't touch it, but it runs everything from your operating system to
apps and games.
✅ Types of Software
Software is broadly categorized into two main types, with subcategories under each:
✅1. System Software
System software helps run the computer hardware and provides a platform for application
software.
✅a) Operating System (OS)
Manages hardware resources and provides user interface.
Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android
✅b) Device Drivers
Allow the OS to communicate with hardware devices.
Examples: Printer driver, graphics card driver
✅c) Utility Programs
Perform maintenance tasks.
Examples: Antivirus, Disk Cleanup, Backup software
2. Application Software
Application software is used by users to perform specific tasks or solve real-world problems.
a) General Purpose Software
Used for common tasks.
Examples: MS Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheets), Chrome (web browser)
✅b) Special Purpose Software
Designed for a specific task.
Examples: Payroll software, Railway reservation system, School management software
✅c) Web Applications
Run in web browsers using the internet.
Examples: Gmail, Google Docs, Facebook
✅d) Mobile Applications
Designed for smartphones and tablets.
Software Type Description Examples
Runs the computer and supports Windows, Linux, Device
System Software
hardware Drivers
Application MS Word, Photoshop,
Helps users perform specific tasks
Software WhatsApp
Examples: WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Maps
