A bird-eye view of Low-Level Languages

Depending on the methods of operation, execution and programming, computer languages are classified into two types - Low-level Programming language and High-Level Programming language. The word "low" signifies an almost non-existent abstraction in between the machine's architecture and the language itself. While any high-level language requires a compiler or an interpreter to interact with the processor, a low-level language interacts directly with it. From software development service perspective, a low-level language is best used in microchip development. In comparison with low-level languages, it is easier to develop programs in high-level languages as the later separates the execution instructions of the architecture from the specifications of a program.

Programs written in Low-level languages are specific to a certain processing environment and thus lack portability as exhibited by high- level languages. Also, because of the direct involvement of the system architecture, it is difficult to learn low-level languages.

Low-level languages are categorized as follows:

First Generation
The First Generation Programming Language is the machine language that a microprocessor can understand directly. In almost all software development companies, no program is written in machine codes, as the task requires minute detailing like memorizing specific numerical code for every instruction which a high-level language can do automatically.

Second Generation
A Second Generation Programming Language (2GL) or assembly language interacts with the microprocessor with an assembler. As it is not the native language of the microprocessor, it is necessary to understand a microprocessor's architecture for program development in the assembly language. Instead of numerical codes, assembly language uses structured commands, which are more readable. The sole task of the assembler used with assembly language is to convert the assembly language code to machine code so that the microprocessor understands it.

Out of all programming languages, C enjoys a unique position as a mid-level language. While in a custom software development process (using high-level language), C can be used to design the interface or the file system, it can also be used to develop microprocessor level programs conveniently using it as a low-level language.