Programming Languages
Just as there are many human languages, so there are many computer languages. In the early days, people programmed using the computer’s binary code, or what we call “machine language”. When this became difficult, mnemonics were used to make life easier. This is called “assembly language” programming. Finnally, there are the “high-level” languages like BASIC, FORTRAN and ALGOL. These are much more similar to everyday language, and are translated directly or indirectly into the computer’s machine code using the computer’s firmware.
BASIC is the language most often used to introduce programming.
VOCABULARY
In the early days= no princípio, no início
Mnemonics= arte de desenvolver a memória mediante processos auxiliares como a associação; mnemônica
To make easier= tornar mais fácil
High-level= alto nível
BASIC= Beginners All-puspose Symbolic Instruction Code
FORTRAN= FORmula TRANslation
ALGOL= ALGOrithmic Language
Firmware= “software” armazenado em ROM em vez de disco
