Topic 5: Programming language

A programming language is a system of rules and syntax used to write

computer programs. It includes a set of commands and concepts to
define and execute algorithms, as well as generate various types of
output. Programs written in programming languages can be compiled or
interpreted into machine code by a computer. Developers use
programming languages to create applications, software and websites to
meet user needs in the digital age.
The development history of programming languages began when
computers were invented. In the 1800s, Charles Babbage developed a
model for Lady's Ada Lovelace computer and then wrote programs for it
for the purpose of advanced computing.
Then, in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the first languages appeared
such as Fortran, COBOL and Lisp as the first generation of programming
languages used to write scientific computing and control programs to
control devices.
In the 1960s, the Algol language was developed and was considered a
programming language that was easier to read and understand than
previous programming languages.
In the 1970s, the C language was born and became one of the most
popular programming languages in the world.
Over the next twenty years, Java and Python were born, and web
engineering and online programming became popular. PHP, JavaScript
and web frameworks such as Ruby on Rails and Django were developed.
Today, there are many popular programming languages such as Java,
Python, C++, JavaScript, Ruby, Swift and many more. Technology such
as artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning are requiring
programming languages capable of handling complex data and high
performance.
In general, programming languages are classified into many classes
according to construction methods including:
Linear programming language: in which the program is executed
sequentially from start to finish. The command written first is executed
first, the command written later runs later.
Structure-oriented programming languages: in which programs are
divided into structural blocks such as conditions, loops and functions.
Popular languages include Pascal and C.
Object-oriented programming language: in which data and code are
organized into objects, containing attributes and methods. Some
commonly languages of this type are C#, C++ and Java.
Programming languages are considered one of humanity's great
achievements and play a very important role in our society. Websites,
social networks, and mobile applications are all developed based on
programming languages to help people connect and access information
faster.
With the development of programming languages, people have been able
to create complex software and computing systems to solve extremely
diverse problems such as mathematics, science, engineering,
economics,.... These tools not only help people save time and effort in
performing complex calculation tasks but also help increase the accuracy
of calculation results. For example, tools and programs for calculating
cancer, predicting weather, determining DNA sequences, optimizing
production, extracting information automatically, etc. are typical
examples of the very important role they play.

1. Find the answers to these questions in the text.

a) How a program written in C can be run on different type of CPU such
as ARM or x86?
b) When did the programming languages first appear?
c) Could you state some popular programming language nowadays?
d) What is the type of Java programming language?
e) Could you sum up two main significant application types developed
by programming languages?
f) What is the purpose of programming languages?
g) Is it easy to create a website without programming languages?

a) A program written in C can be run on different types of CPUs such as

ARM or x86 because programming languages can be compiled or
interpreted into machine code by a computer.
b) Programming languages first appeared in the late 1940s and early
1950s, with the introduction of languages such as Fortran, COBOL, and
Lisp.
c) Some popular programming languages nowadays include Java,
Python, C++, JavaScript, Ruby, and Swift.
d) Java is an object-oriented programming language.
e) Two main significant application types developed by programming
languages are websites and software applications.
f) The purpose of programming languages is to create applications,
software, and websites to meet user needs in the digital age, as well as to
develop computing systems to solve complex problems.
g) No, it is not easy to create a website without programming languages
because websites, social networks, and mobile applications are all
developed based on programming languages.

What are peripherals?

→ Peripherals are external devices that extend and enhance the
functionality of a computer without modifying its core components.
Why is a printer a good example of a peripheral?
→ A printer is a good example of a peripheral because it connects to a
computer and enhances its functionality without being a core part of the
machine.

Why should we not confuse computer peripherals with computer

accessories?
→ We should not confuse them because peripherals extend a computer’s
functionality (e.g., printers, keyboards), while accessories only enhance
the user experience (e.g., mousepads)

Why is a mousepad definitely not a peripheral?

→ A mousepad is definitely not a peripheral because it does not extend
the functionality of a computer; it only enhances the user experience.

Why does a mousepad not extend the functionality of a computer?

→ A mousepad does not extend the functionality of a computer because
it does not add new features or improve the computer’s performance; it
only makes using a mouse more comfortable.
What does it mean when peripherals are sold apart from
computers?
→ It means that peripherals are separate devices that users can buy and
add to their computers as needed.

7 What types of computers do not require mice, keyboards, or

displays to be functional?
→ Servers or embedded systems do not require mice, keyboards, or even
displays to operate.
 How do servers or embedded systems function without traditional
input and output devices?
→ Servers are often managed remotely, and embedded systems are
designed for specific tasks, so they do not need direct user interaction
with peripherals like a keyboard or mouse.