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Types of High Level Languages

The document discusses different types of high level programming paradigms and languages including imperative/procedural, declarative, general purpose, and special purpose languages. Imperative languages specify execution order while declarative languages state what needs to be done. General purpose languages can perform a variety of tasks and special purpose languages are dedicated to specific areas like embedded systems.

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Taonaishe Hastings Muzavazi
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20 views2 pages

Types of High Level Languages

The document discusses different types of high level programming paradigms and languages including imperative/procedural, declarative, general purpose, and special purpose languages. Imperative languages specify execution order while declarative languages state what needs to be done. General purpose languages can perform a variety of tasks and special purpose languages are dedicated to specific areas like embedded systems.

Uploaded by

Taonaishe Hastings Muzavazi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Types Of High Level Languages/Programming Paradigms

- Programming paradigm refers to methods used to categorise high level languages in terms
of organising principles used by the designers. It is pattern that serves as a school of thought
for programming of computers.
- Such programming paradigms are as follows:
 Imperative/procedural languages
 Declarative languages
 General purpose languages
 Special purpose languages
 Object oriented languages (OOP)

1. Imperative /Procedural Programming languages


- These are high level programs in which the programmer specifies how the program is to
be executed, following a predefined execution sequence.
- The programmer has to write instructions (in source code) that are to be strictly followed
when performing a certain task.
- The programmer shows steps in the order of execution, providing a set of data.
- The order of statements is very important and is to be obediently followed by the computer
when performing a task.
- Examples include C, Pascal, COBOL, BASIC, etc.
- Imperative languages have the following features:
 built-in data types like integers, character, string, Boolean, etc
 user defined data types like records, arrays, etc
 Declarations for variables, arrays, constants, functions, procedures, etc.
 Programming statements like assignments, control structures, procedure calls,
function calls, etc.

2. Declarative Programming Languages


- These are programming languages that states what is to be done rather than how to do it.
- The programmer states the facts and rules associated with the problem.
- The order of stating the rules and facts is not important.
- Adding new rules, modifying existing ones and deleting some rules is very easy.
- They do not use loops, selection structures or procedures.
- Can also be called Very High Level programming languages or 4GL languages.
- They have the following benefits:
- Makes it easier to program computer applications due to the following reasons:
 Allow alternate methods of developing software, e.g. prototyping.
 One 4GL code is equivalent to several lines of 3GL languages code.
 Programmer productivity is increased.
Application: mostly used in designing expert systems.
Examples of declarative languages are Prolog (Programming in Logic)

3. General purpose languages


These are languages that can be used to perform a variety of takes, they are not dedicated
to one particular task.
4. Special purpose languages
- These are languages that are dedicated to a specific area, for instance, for running on
embedded computer systems like washing machines, mobile phones, controlling robots in
a car assembly, etc.
- such languages must support real-time facilities, and have the following facilities:
 Real-time control facilities: Programmer specifies times/frequency at which
certain actions are to be performed, e.g. taking readings after every 3 seconds for
sensors. Programmers must also program timeout if the sensor fails to take reading
in the specified interval and treat this as a fault and take appropriate action.
 Interaction with hardware interfaces: language must contain instructions to
monitor devices like sensors and control actuators.
 Ability to support concurrent programming: languages must allow two or more
actions to take place at the same time.

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