Topic Summaries

High vs low-level programming languages

GCSE > Computer Science > Pearson IGCSE > GCSE Computer Science > ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Programming languages > High vs low-level programming languages
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COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Encoding and compression

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Network topologies

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Wired and wireless networks, protocols, and layers

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Threats to computer systems and networks

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: Operating systems and utility software

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Types of data

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Producing robust programs

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Designing, creating, and refining algorithms

ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • High-level languages are easier for humans. 
  • Low-level languages are closer to machine instructions
Feature High-level language Low-level language
Closer to Human language Machine (CPU) language
Example languages Python, Java, C#, JavaScript Machine code, assembly
Ease of use Easier to read and write Harder to read and write
Portability Portable across systems Not portable (CPU-specific)
Control over hardware Less control Direct hardware control
Used for Software development Embedded systems, device drivers
Needs translation? Yes (via compiler/interpreter) Yes (machine code may not)

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