programming language


noun

a high-level language used to write computer programs, as COBOL or BASIC, or, sometimes, an assembly language.

Origin of programming language

First recorded in 1955–60

British Dictionary definitions for programming language

programming language

noun

a simple language system designed to facilitate the writing of computer programs See high-level language, low-level language, machine code

Scientific definitions for programming language

programming language
[ prōgrăm′ĭng ]

An artificial language used to write instructions that can be translated into machine language and then executed by a computer. English and other natural languages are not used as programming languages because they cannot be easily translated into machine language.♦ A compiled language is a language in which the set of instructions (or code) written by the programmer is converted into machine language by special software called a compilerprior to being executed. C++ and SmallTalk are examples of compiled languages.♦ An interpreted language is a language in which the set of instructions (or code) written by the programmer is converted into machine language by special software called a compilerprior to being executed. Most scripting and macro languages are interpreted languages. See also program.

Cultural definitions for programming language

programming language

In computer technology, a set of conventions in which instructions for the machine are written. There are many languages that allow humans to communicate with computers; C++, BASIC, and Java are some common ones.