Table of Contents
In this article we will share SSC Computer Class Programming Language PPT Slides (LEC #23), Programming Language is one of the foundational topics in the SSC Computer Awareness syllabus. From SSC CGL and SSC CHSL to RRB NTPC and RRB Group D, questions on programming language types, generations, translators, and popular languages appear in almost every exam. This article is based on the LEC #23 PPT slides from the Complete Foundation Batch and covers every concept you need – definitions, language types, generations, translators, paradigms, popular languages, abbreviations, practice MCQs, and a revision capsule – all in one place.
Lecture Details
| Parameter | Details |
| Lecture Number | LEC #23 |
| Topic | Programming Language |
| Subject | Computer Awareness – SSC Foundation Batch |
| Total Slides | 30 |
| File Size | 5 MB |
| Exam Relevance | SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS, SSC CPO, RRB NTPC, RRB Group D, UPSSSC PET |
SSC Computer Class Programming Language PPT Slides (LEC #23)
NOTE: IF YOU WANT TO DOWNLOAD COMPLETE SSC SERIES (PPT SLIDES) – JUST VISIT THIS REDIRECT PAGE
What Is a Programming Language?
A programming language is a formal set of instructions that a programmer uses to communicate with a computer. It is a notation system – with its own vocabulary, grammar, and rules – that allows humans to write programs which a computer can execute.
Computers understand only binary code (0s and 1s). A programming language acts as a bridge between human thinking and machine execution. Every software application, website, operating system, and mobile app in the world is built using one or more programming languages.
| Aspect | Details |
| Definition | A formal language with a defined set of rules used to write programs and instruct a computer |
| Purpose | To tell the computer what to do – input, processing, output, and storage operations |
| Basic Unit | Program – a sequence of instructions written in a programming language |
| Key Properties | Syntax (rules of grammar), Semantics (meaning), Pragmatics (practical use) |
| Output of a Program | Machine code (binary) that the CPU can execute directly |
| Who Writes Programs | Programmers, developers, software engineers |
Key Terms in Programming Languages
| Term | Definition |
| Source Code | The human-readable program written by a programmer in a programming language |
| Object Code | The machine-readable binary code produced after translating source code |
| Syntax | The rules that define the correct structure and grammar of a programming language |
| Semantics | The meaning behind the syntactically correct statements in a program |
| Algorithm | A step-by-step logical procedure designed to solve a specific problem |
| Program | A complete set of instructions written in a programming language to perform a task |
| Bug | An error or flaw in a program that causes it to produce incorrect or unexpected results |
| Debugging | The process of finding and fixing errors (bugs) in a program |
| IDE | Integrated Development Environment – software that provides tools for writing, testing, and running code |
| Runtime | The period during which a program is executing on a computer |
Types of Programming Languages
Programming languages are broadly classified into three types based on their level of abstraction from machine hardware. This classification is the most frequently tested topic in SSC exams.
| Type | Also Known As | Description | Proximity to Hardware |
| Low-Level Language | Machine-Dependent Language | Closely tied to a specific computer’s hardware; uses binary or symbolic instructions | Very Close |
| Middle-Level Language | Intermediate-Level Language | Combines features of both low-level and high-level languages; allows hardware control and readable code | Moderate |
| High-Level Language | Machine-Independent Language | Uses English-like syntax; hides hardware details; easy to read, write, and debug | Far from Hardware |
Low-Level Languages
Low-level languages are the closest to machine hardware. They require detailed knowledge of the computer’s architecture and are very difficult for humans to read and write.
| Language | Description | Representation | Key Feature |
| Machine Language (1GL) | The only language a computer’s CPU understands directly; consists entirely of binary digits (0 and 1) | Binary: 10110001 01100001 | Fastest execution; no translation needed; completely machine-dependent |
| Assembly Language (2GL) | Uses short symbolic codes (mnemonics) to represent machine instructions; one step above machine language | MOV AX, 01H / ADD AX, BX | Slightly readable; requires an Assembler to convert to machine code; still hardware-specific |
Middle-Level Languages
Middle-level languages give the programmer access to low-level hardware features while also supporting high-level programming constructs. The most important example is C.
| Feature | Description |
| Hardware Access | Can directly manipulate memory, pointers, and hardware registers |
| Portability | More portable than assembly language; can be compiled for different hardware |
| Best Example | C Language – used to write operating systems, device drivers, and embedded systems |
| Other Examples | C++, Rust |
| Translator Used | Compiler |
High-Level Languages
High-level languages use syntax close to human language (usually English). They are portable across different machines and are much easier to write, read, and debug compared to low-level languages. They require a compiler or interpreter to translate to machine code.
| Feature | Description |
| Syntax Style | English-like; uses words like if, while, print, return |
| Portability | Write once, run on many different computers with minimal changes |
| Ease of Use | Easier to learn, write, debug, and maintain than low-level languages |
| Speed | Slower than machine or assembly language after translation |
| Examples | Python, Java, C#, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, Swift, Kotlin, Fortran, COBOL, BASIC |
| Translator Used | Compiler or Interpreter depending on the language |
Generations of Programming Languages (1GL to 5GL)
Programming languages are also classified by generation, which reflects their distance from machine code and their level of abstraction. The generation classification is extremely important for SSC and RRB exams.
| Generation | Name | Key Characteristic | Examples | Translator |
| 1GL | First Generation (Machine Language) | Pure binary code; directly executable by CPU; no translation needed | Binary code – 0s and 1s only | None (CPU executes directly) |
| 2GL | Second Generation (Assembly Language) | Uses mnemonics (MOV, ADD, SUB) instead of binary; human-readable but still hardware-specific | x86 Assembly, ARM Assembly | Assembler |
| 3GL | Third Generation (High-Level Languages) | English-like syntax; machine-independent; structured programming introduced | C, C++, Java, Python, FORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC, Pascal | Compiler or Interpreter |
| 4GL | Fourth Generation Languages | Even closer to human language; focuses on what to do rather than how; used for databases and reports | SQL, MATLAB, R, SAS, Oracle Forms, Visual Basic | Interpreter or special runtime |
| 5GL | Fifth Generation Languages | Based on artificial intelligence and logic; programmer defines the problem, not the steps to solve it | Prolog, LISP, Mercury, OPS5 | AI Inference Engine |
Exam tip: 3GL is the most commonly used generation today. SQL is the classic 4GL example. Prolog is the most cited 5GL example.
Translators – Compiler, Interpreter, and Assembler
A translator converts source code written in a programming language into machine code that the CPU can execute. There are three types of translators, and questions comparing them appear very frequently in SSC Computer Awareness.
| Feature | Compiler | Interpreter | Assembler |
| What it translates | High-level language source code | High-level language source code | Assembly language (2GL) source code |
| Translation method | Translates the entire program at once before execution | Translates and executes one line at a time | Converts mnemonics to machine code statement by statement |
| Output produced | Separate object code file (.exe or .obj) | No separate output file; executes directly | Object code (machine language file) |
| Execution speed | Fast – object code runs directly after compilation | Slower – translation happens during runtime | Fast – one-to-one mapping of mnemonics to binary |
| Error detection | All errors reported after full translation | Stops at the first error found, line by line | Errors found during assembly process |
| Memory use | More memory needed to store object code | Less memory; no object file stored | Moderate |
| Re-translation needed | Not needed; reuse the compiled object code | Required every time the program runs | Required every time the source changes |
| Examples of languages | C, C++, Java (to bytecode), Go, Rust | Python, Ruby, JavaScript, PHP, BASIC | x86 Assembly, ARM Assembly |
Special Case – Java and the JVM
Java is a special case that uses both a compiler and an interpreter. The Java compiler (javac) first compiles source code into Bytecode. The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) then interprets that bytecode at runtime. This is why Java is called platform-independent – bytecode runs on any machine that has a JVM installed. The principle is called WORA: Write Once, Run Anywhere.
Programming Paradigms
A programming paradigm is a style or approach to programming. Different paradigms represent different ways of thinking about and structuring a program. This topic is increasingly tested in higher-level SSC exams.
| Paradigm | Core Idea | Key Features | Examples |
| Procedural Programming | A program is a sequence of instructions executed step by step | Uses functions/procedures; top-down design; structured control flow | C, Pascal, FORTRAN, COBOL |
| Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) | A program is organized around objects that combine data and behavior | Classes, Objects, Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism, Abstraction | Java, C++, Python, C#, Ruby |
| Functional Programming | A program is a set of mathematical functions; avoids changing state | Pure functions, immutability, first-class functions, recursion | Haskell, Erlang, Lisp, Scala, F# |
| Logic Programming | A program defines facts and rules; the system derives answers | Based on formal logic; declarative style | Prolog, Datalog, Mercury |
| Event-Driven Programming | Program flow is determined by events such as user actions or messages | Used heavily in GUIs and web applications | JavaScript, Visual Basic, Swift (UI) |
| Declarative Programming | Programmer describes what the result should be, not how to compute it | No explicit control flow; SQL is the prime example | SQL, HTML, CSS, XSLT |
Object-Oriented Programming – Four Pillars
OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) is the dominant programming paradigm today and the most tested paradigm in SSC Computer Awareness. Its four core principles are essential to know.
| Pillar | Definition | Real-World Analogy |
| Encapsulation | Bundling data (attributes) and the functions that operate on that data (methods) together inside a single unit called a class; hiding internal implementation details from the outside world | A capsule pill contains medicine inside – you use it without knowing the exact chemical formula |
| Inheritance | A child class automatically acquires the properties and methods of a parent class, enabling code reuse and a hierarchical class structure | A child inherits traits (eye color, height) from their parents |
| Polymorphism | The ability of different objects to respond to the same method call in different, object-specific ways | The word ‘run’ means different things for a person, a program, and a car engine |
| Abstraction | Hiding complex internal implementation details and exposing only the essential features or interface to the user | A car driver uses the steering wheel and pedals without knowing how the engine works internally |
Popular Programming Languages – Quick Reference
| Language | Created By | Year | Generation | Primary Use |
| FORTRAN | IBM (John Backus) | 1957 | 3GL | Scientific and mathematical computing; first high-level language |
| COBOL | Grace Hopper (US Navy) | 1959 | 3GL | Business data processing, banking, government systems |
| LISP | John McCarthy (MIT) | 1958 | 3GL / 5GL | Artificial intelligence, symbolic computation |
| BASIC | John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz | 1964 | 3GL | Beginners’ general-purpose programming; interactive use |
| Pascal | Niklaus Wirth | 1970 | 3GL | Teaching programming; structured programming principles |
| C | Dennis Ritchie (Bell Labs) | 1972 | 2.5GL / 3GL | System programming, operating systems (Unix/Linux), embedded systems |
| C++ | Bjarne Stroustrup (Bell Labs) | 1983 | 3GL | System software, game development, OOP extension of C |
| Python | Guido van Rossum | 1991 | 3GL | Web development, data science, AI/ML, automation, education |
| Java | James Gosling (Sun Microsystems) | 1995 | 3GL | Enterprise apps, Android development, web back-end |
| JavaScript | Brendan Eich (Netscape) | 1995 | 3GL | Web front-end interactivity; also used on server (Node.js) |
| PHP | Rasmus Lerdorf | 1994 | 3GL | Server-side web development (WordPress, Facebook early stack) |
| Ruby | Yukihiro Matsumoto | 1995 | 3GL | Web development (Ruby on Rails), rapid prototyping |
| Swift | Apple Inc. | 2014 | 3GL | iOS and macOS application development |
| Kotlin | JetBrains | 2011 | 3GL | Android development (official language since 2017) |
| R | Ross Ihaka and Robert Gentleman | 1993 | 4GL | Statistical computing, data analysis, data science |
| SQL | IBM (Chamberlin and Boyce) | 1974 | 4GL | Database query and management – the most used 4GL |
| Prolog | Alain Colmerauer | 1972 | 5GL | Artificial intelligence, logic programming, expert systems |
Important Programming Language Facts for SSC Exams
| Fact | Details |
| First High-Level Language | FORTRAN (1957) – developed by IBM’s John Backus team |
| First Programming Language (ever) | Ada Lovelace wrote the first algorithm for Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine (1840s) – she is considered the first programmer |
| Language named after Ada Lovelace | Ada – a programming language developed by the US Department of Defense in 1983 |
| Grace Hopper’s contribution | Created COBOL; invented the first compiler (A-0 System, 1952); coined the term ‘debugging’ (found a real moth in a relay) |
| First compiler ever | A-0 System (1952) – created by Grace Hopper |
| WORA principle | Write Once, Run Anywhere – Java’s platform independence via JVM and bytecode |
| Most used language today | JavaScript (web front-end); Python (data science, AI); SQL (databases) |
| Android’s official language | Kotlin (since 2017, announced by Google at Google I/O) |
| iOS/macOS development language | Swift (created by Apple in 2014; replaced Objective-C) |
| Language used to write UNIX/Linux | C language – written by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs |
| First OOP language | Simula (1967) – created by Ole-Johan Dahl and Kristen Nygaard in Norway |
| Python named after | Monty Python’s Flying Circus (British comedy TV show) – not the snake |
Procedural Programming vs Object-Oriented Programming
| Parameter | Procedural Programming | Object-Oriented Programming |
| Basic Unit | Functions / Procedures | Objects (instances of classes) |
| Data and Functions | Separate – data passed to functions as parameters | Combined inside classes (encapsulation) |
| Approach | Top-down design | Bottom-up design |
| Code Reusability | Limited – functions can be reused but not extended easily | High – inheritance allows extending existing classes |
| Data Security | Low – global data accessible from anywhere | High – data hidden via encapsulation and access modifiers |
| Real-World Modeling | Poor – hard to map real entities to code | Excellent – objects mirror real-world entities naturally |
| Examples | C, Pascal, FORTRAN, COBOL | Java, C++, Python, C#, Ruby |
Source Code, Object Code, and the Translation Process
| Stage | What It Is | Example |
| Source Code | The original human-readable program written by the developer | print(‘Hello’) written in Python |
| Compilation / Interpretation | Translator converts source code to machine-readable form | Python interpreter reads each line and executes it |
| Object Code / Bytecode | The translated intermediate or final machine-readable code | Java .class file (bytecode); C .exe file (native machine code) |
| Execution | CPU or virtual machine (JVM) runs the final machine code | The program runs and produces output |
| Linker | Combines object code files and libraries into a final executable | .exe or binary file ready to run |
| Loader | Loads the final executable into memory so the CPU can run it | Operating system loads the .exe when you double-click it |
Programming Languages by Application Area
| Application Area | Best Languages Used | Why |
| Web Front-End Development | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript | Run natively in browsers; handle UI and user interaction |
| Web Back-End Development | Python, PHP, Java, Ruby, Node.js (JavaScript), Go | Server-side logic, database handling, APIs |
| Mobile App Development | Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android), Dart (Flutter) | Platform-native or cross-platform mobile apps |
| Data Science and AI/ML | Python, R, Julia | Rich ecosystem of libraries (NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, scikit-learn) |
| System and OS Programming | C, C++, Rust | Direct hardware access, memory management, high performance |
| Database and Data Management | SQL, PL/SQL, T-SQL | Structured query and manipulation of relational databases |
| Game Development | C++, C#, Lua, Python | High performance graphics; Unity uses C#; Unreal uses C++ |
| Embedded and IoT Systems | C, C++, MicroPython, Rust | Low memory, direct hardware control on microcontrollers |
| Scientific Computing | FORTRAN, MATLAB, Python, R | Numerical methods, simulations, mathematical modeling |
| Artificial Intelligence (Logic) | Prolog, LISP | Symbolic reasoning, expert systems, logic-based inference |
Scripting Languages vs Programming Languages
| Parameter | Scripting Language | Programming Language |
| Definition | A type of programming language designed to automate tasks in an existing environment | A general-purpose language for building standalone software applications |
| Execution | Interpreted at runtime – usually line by line | Usually compiled into machine code before execution |
| Complexity | Simpler to write; less boilerplate code | Can be more complex; more control over system resources |
| Speed | Slower due to interpretation | Faster due to compilation |
| Examples | Python, JavaScript, PHP, Bash, Ruby, Perl | C, C++, Java, Go, Rust |
| Common Use | Automating web tasks, file management, rapid prototyping | Operating systems, applications, games, databases |
Programming Language Abbreviations – Quick Reference
| Abbreviation | Full Form |
| OOP | Object-Oriented Programming |
| IDE | Integrated Development Environment |
| JVM | Java Virtual Machine |
| JDK | Java Development Kit |
| JRE | Java Runtime Environment |
| WORA | Write Once, Run Anywhere |
| 1GL | First Generation Language (Machine Language) |
| 2GL | Second Generation Language (Assembly Language) |
| 3GL | Third Generation Language (High-Level Language) |
| 4GL | Fourth Generation Language |
| 5GL | Fifth Generation Language |
| SQL | Structured Query Language |
| HTML | HyperText Markup Language |
| CSS | Cascading Style Sheets |
| PHP | Hypertext Preprocessor (originally Personal Home Page) |
| API | Application Programming Interface |
| SDK | Software Development Kit |
| GCC | GNU Compiler Collection |
| LISP | LISt Processing |
| COBOL | Common Business-Oriented Language |
| FORTRAN | Formula Translation |
| BASIC | Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code |
| Pascal | Named after mathematician Blaise Pascal |
| Ada | Named after Ada Lovelace – first programmer |
| Prolog | Programming in Logic |
Key Points to Remember Before Your Exam
- A programming language is a formal set of instructions used to communicate with a computer and create programs.
- Languages are classified by level: Low-Level (Machine + Assembly), Middle-Level (C), and High-Level (Python, Java).
- The five generations of programming languages are 1GL (machine code), 2GL (assembly), 3GL (high-level), 4GL (database/report), and 5GL (AI/logic).
- FORTRAN (1957) was the first high-level programming language, developed by IBM.
- Ada Lovelace (1840s) is considered the first programmer; the language Ada is named after her.
- Grace Hopper created COBOL and invented the first compiler (A-0 System, 1952); she coined the term ‘debugging.’
- A Compiler translates the entire source code at once and produces an object code file; execution is fast.
- An Interpreter translates and executes source code line by line; stops at the first error; no output file saved.
- An Assembler converts Assembly Language (2GL) into machine code.
- Java uses both a compiler (produces bytecode) and an interpreter (JVM runs bytecode) – this gives Java its WORA property.
- The four pillars of OOP are Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism, and Abstraction.
- C was written by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs (1972) and was used to write the UNIX operating system.
- Simula (1967) is considered the first Object-Oriented Programming language.
- Python was created by Guido van Rossum (1991) and named after Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
- SQL is the standard 4GL example – used to query and manage relational databases.
- Prolog is the most cited 5GL example – used in AI and logic-based reasoning.
- Kotlin became the official language for Android development in 2017 (announced by Google).
- Swift was created by Apple in 2014 to replace Objective-C for iOS and macOS development.
- JavaScript was created by Brendan Eich at Netscape in 1995 and is the core language of web front-end development.
- COBOL stands for Common Business-Oriented Language; FORTRAN stands for Formula Translation; BASIC stands for Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.
READ ALSO: SSC Computer Class Internet of Things PPT Slides (LEC #22)
FAQ:
What is the difference between a compiler and an interpreter?
A compiler translates the entire source code of a program into machine code (object code) in one go before the program runs. Once compiled, the program runs directly from the object code, making execution fast. An interpreter, on the other hand, translates and executes the source code one line at a time. It does not produce a separate output file and stops as soon as it encounters an error. Compilers are used by C, C++, Go, and Rust. Interpreters are used by Python, Ruby, JavaScript, and PHP. Java is a special case – it uses a compiler to produce bytecode and the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) to interpret that bytecode at runtime.
What are the five generations of programming languages?
The five generations are: 1GL – Machine Language (pure binary 0s and 1s, executed directly by CPU); 2GL – Assembly Language (mnemonics like MOV, ADD, SUB, translated by an Assembler); 3GL – High-Level Languages (C, Java, Python, COBOL, FORTRAN, translated by Compiler/Interpreter); 4GL – Fourth Generation Languages (SQL, MATLAB, R, focused on database queries and report generation); 5GL – Fifth Generation Languages (Prolog, LISP, based on artificial intelligence and logic programming). The key exam distinction is that 3GL is the most widely used today, and SQL is the most common 4GL example.
Who is considered the first programmer and what is their connection to programming languages?
Ada Lovelace (1815–1852), the daughter of poet Lord Byron, is considered the world’s first programmer. She wrote the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine – specifically, Charles Babbage’s proposed Analytical Engine – in the 1840s. She is the reason the programming language Ada (developed by the US Department of Defense in 1983) is named after her. This is a common exam question: who is the first programmer, what is Ada, and who created COBOL (Grace Hopper).
What are the four pillars of Object-Oriented Programming?
The four pillars of OOP are: (1) Encapsulation – bundling data and methods together inside a class and hiding internal details from outside access. (2) Inheritance – a child class acquires the properties and behaviors of a parent class, enabling code reuse. (3) Polymorphism – the same method name behaves differently depending on the object that calls it (e.g., a draw() method works differently for a Circle and a Rectangle). (4) Abstraction – hiding complex implementation details and exposing only what the user needs. OOP languages include Java, C++, Python, C#, and Ruby.
What does WORA mean and which language uses it?
WORA stands for Write Once, Run Anywhere. It is the core principle of Java. Java source code is compiled into an intermediate form called bytecode by the Java compiler (javac). This bytecode is not machine-specific – it runs on any machine that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed. The JVM interprets the bytecode and converts it to native machine code at runtime. This means the same Java .class file can run on Windows, macOS, Linux, or any other platform with a JVM, without modification.
What is the difference between low-level and high-level programming languages?
Low-level languages are close to machine hardware. They include Machine Language (1GL), which uses only binary code (0s and 1s), and Assembly Language (2GL), which uses symbolic mnemonics. They are fast and efficient but difficult to write, read, and debug. They are hardware-specific – a program written for one CPU architecture cannot run on a different one without rewriting. High-level languages use English-like syntax that is easy to read and write. They are portable – the same code can run on different machines with little or no modification. Python, Java, C, and FORTRAN are high-level languages. They require a compiler or interpreter for translation.
What was Grace Hopper’s contribution to programming?
Rear Admiral Grace Hopper made several landmark contributions: (1) She created COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language, 1959), which revolutionized business computing and is still used in banking and government systems today. (2) She invented the first compiler – the A-0 System in 1952 – proving that programs could be written in human-readable code and automatically translated to machine code. (3) She is often credited with coining the term ‘debugging’ after her team found an actual moth trapped in a relay of the Harvard Mark II computer in 1947, causing a malfunction. She taped the moth to the logbook with the note ‘First actual case of bug being found.’
What is the difference between procedural and object-oriented programming?
Procedural programming organizes code as a sequence of instructions grouped into functions or procedures. Data and functions are separate. It follows a top-down approach. Examples include C, Pascal, and FORTRAN. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) organizes code around objects, where each object combines data (attributes) and behavior (methods) inside a class. OOP follows a bottom-up design and supports inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation, and abstraction. Examples include Java, C++, Python, and C#. OOP is better for modeling real-world entities and for large, complex software projects.
Practice MCQs – Programming Language
1. Which was the first high-level programming language ever developed?
A) COBOL
B) BASIC
C) FORTRAN
D) Pascal
Answer: C – FORTRAN (Formula Translation), developed by IBM in 1957.
2. Who is known as the world’s first programmer?
A) Alan Turing
B) Grace Hopper
C) Ada Lovelace
D) Dennis Ritchie
Answer: C – Ada Lovelace wrote the first algorithm for Babbage’s Analytical Engine in the 1840s.
3. Who created the COBOL programming language?
A) Bjarne Stroustrup
B) Grace Hopper
C) Dennis Ritchie
D) James Gosling
Answer: B – Grace Hopper, who also invented the first compiler.
4. What does WORA stand for in the context of Java?
A) Write Once, Read Anywhere
B) Write Once, Run Anywhere
C) Work Once, Run Anywhere
D) Write Output, Run Always
Answer: B – Write Once, Run Anywhere – Java’s platform independence through the JVM.
5. Which type of translator converts Assembly Language into machine code?
A) Compiler
B) Interpreter
C) Assembler
D) Linker
Answer: C – An Assembler converts Assembly Language (2GL) mnemonics into machine code.
6. A compiler differs from an interpreter in that a compiler:
A) Translates code line by line
B) Translates the entire program at once before execution
C) Only works with low-level languages
D) Cannot detect syntax errors
Answer: B – A compiler translates the entire program into object code before execution begins.
7. Which of the following is the correct order of programming language generations from lowest to highest?
A) Assembly → Machine → 3GL → 4GL → 5GL
B) Machine → Assembly → High-Level → 4GL → 5GL
C) 4GL → 3GL → Machine → Assembly → 5GL
D) High-Level → Machine → Assembly → 4GL → 5GL
Answer: B – 1GL (Machine) → 2GL (Assembly) → 3GL (High-Level) → 4GL → 5GL.
8. Which programming language was used to write the UNIX operating system?
A) Assembly
B) Python
C) Java
D) C
Answer: D – C, created by Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs in 1972.
9. The four pillars of Object-Oriented Programming are:
A) Compilation, Linking, Loading, Execution
B) Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism, Abstraction
C) Class, Object, Method, Variable
D) Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics, Logic
Answer: B – Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism, and Abstraction are the four OOP pillars.
10. SQL is an example of which generation of programming language?
A) 2GL
B) 3GL
C) 4GL
D) 5GL
Answer: C – SQL (Structured Query Language) is the most common example of a 4GL.
11. Which language is considered the first Object-Oriented Programming language?
A) C++
B) Java
C) Simula
D) Smalltalk
Answer: C – Simula (1967), developed by Ole-Johan Dahl and Kristen Nygaard in Norway.
12. Kotlin became the official language for Android development in which year?
A) 2014
B) 2015
C) 2017
D) 2019
Answer: C – Google officially adopted Kotlin as Android’s first-class language at Google I/O 2017.
13. Which programming language is named after a television comedy show?
A) Ruby
B) Python
C) Swift
D) Go
Answer: B – Python was named after Monty Python’s Flying Circus by its creator Guido van Rossum.
14. Prolog is an example of which type/generation of programming language?
A) 3GL – Procedural
B) 4GL – Database
C) 5GL – Logic/AI
D) 2GL – Assembly
Answer: C – Prolog (Programming in Logic) is a 5GL language used in AI and logic programming.
15. FORTRAN stands for:
A) Formal Translation
B) Formula Transition
C) Formula Translation
D) Formatted Transfer
Answer: C – FORTRAN stands for Formula Translation, developed by IBM in 1957.