When To Use High-Level Languages?
The answer to many of the difficulties associated with assembly language programs is to use, instead, high-level or procedure-oriented languages. Such languages allow you to describe tasks in forms that are problem-oriented rather than computer-oriented. Each statement in a high-level language performs a distinctive function; it will generally correspond to many assembly language instructions. A program called a compiler transforms the high-level language source program into object code or machine language instructions.
Many different hgih-level languages exist for different types of tasks. If, for example, you can express what you want the computer to do in algebraic notation, you can write your FORTRAN (Formula Translation Language), the oldest of the high-level languages. Now, if you want to add two numbers, you just tell the computer:
sum = num1 + num2;
That is a lot easier (and shorter) than either the equivalent machine language program or the equivalent assembly language program. Other high-level languages include COBOL (for business applications), BASIC (a cut down version of FORTRAN designed to prototype ideas before coding them in full), C (a systems-programming language), C++ and Pascal (object-orientated Turbo Pascal was heavily used in 1980s and 1990s as a general teaching and development language).
Clearly, high-level languages make program easier and faster to write. A common estimate is that a programmer can write a program about ten times as fast in a high-level language as in assembly language. That is just writing the program; it does not include problem definition, program design, debugging testing or documentation, all of which become simpler and faster. The high-level language program is, for instance, partly self-documenting. Even if you do not know Pascal, you could probably tell what the statements do.
Machine Independence
High-level languages solve many other troubles associated with assembly language programming. The high-level language has its own syntax (usually defined by an international standard). The language does not mention the instruction set, registers, or other features of a particular computer. The compiler takes care of all such details. Programmers can concentrate on their own algorithms; they do not need a detailed understanding of the underlying CPU architecture – for that matter, they do not need to know anything about the computer they are programming.
Portability
Programs written in a high-level language are portable – at least, in theory. They will run on any PC that has a standard compiler for that language. At the same time, all previous programs written in a high-level language for prior computers and available to you when programming a new computer. This can mean thousands of programs in the case of a common language like C.
Which Language Level You Use Depends On Your Particular Application
If hardware will ultimately be the largest cost in your application, or if speed is important, you should favor assembly language. But be prepared to spend much extra time in software development in exchange for lower memory costs and higher execution speeds. If software will be the largest cost in your application, you should favor a high-level language. But be prepared to spend the extra money required for the supporting hardware and software. Of course, no one except some theorists will object if you use both assembly and high-level languages. You can write the program originally in a high-level language and then patch some sections in assembly language. However, most users prefer not to do this because it can create havoc in debugging, testing, and documentation.
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