The differences between high-level and low-level languages
In the realm of software development, choosing a programming language can significantly impact a developer’s approach to problem-solving, the efficiency of their code, and the range of applications they can create. With so many options available, how do we make the right decision? At the heart of this choice lie two distinct categories: high-level and low-level languages.
These two classes of programming languages represent opposite ends of a spectrum, with each offering unique advantages and challenges. High-level languages prioritize ease of use and abstraction, enabling rapid development and code readability, while low-level languages provide precise control over hardware and memory, making them crucial for tasks demanding maximum performance and direct hardware control.
Low-level languages
Low-level programming languages aim to give programmers a high degree of control over a computer’s hardware and resources. These languages, like Assembly and C, offer minimal abstraction and operate closer to the processor’s architecture. They are often used when optimizing for performance is critical or when direct hardware access is necessary, such as in embedded systems development, operating system creation, or driver programming. Writing code in low-level languages demands a deep understanding of the computer’s architecture and memory management systems to make it a choice for experienced developers seeking maximum efficiency and control.
Here is an example of what a “Hello world” code may look like in assembly language. Notice how many steps are required to print a simple string.
Note: Remember that this code is written for a Linux x86 environment, and as each processor has a different set of rules for its compiler, the code may look different for a different processor.
.global _start.text_start:# write(1, message, 13)mov $1, %rax # system call 1 is writemov $1, %rdi # file handle 1 is stdoutmov $message, %rsi # address of string to outputmov $13, %rdx # number of bytessyscall # invoke operating system to do the write# exit(0)mov $60, %rax # system call 60 is exitxor %rdi, %rdi # we want return code 0syscall # invoke operating system to exitmessage:.ascii "Hello, world\n"
High-level languages
High-level programming languages are designed with the primary goal of simplifying the process of writing and understanding code. These languages provide a high level of abstraction from the hardware, allowing programmers to focus on solving problems and implementing algorithms without getting bogged down in low-level details. High-level languages, such as Python, C++, and JavaScript, use human-readable syntax and offer built-in functions and libraries that make development faster and more accessible. They are the go-to choice for a wide range of applications, from web development and app development to artificial intelligence and software engineering, thanks to their portability, readability, and ease of use.
Here is an example of a “Hello world” code in C++. Notice how intuitive and concise it is compared to the code in assembly language.
#include <iostream>using namespace std;int main() {cout << "Hello World";return 0;}
Differences
The table below summarizes all the major differences between machine, assembly, and high-level languages.
Low-level language | High-level language |
Gives full control of the computer to programmer | Some of the architectural control is taken away from programmer |
Slightly difficult to read | Very easy to read |
Used to program microchips and low-level software | Used to program high-level computer apps |
Examples: Assembly, C, and machine code | Examples: Python, C++, and Java |
Highly memory efficient | Less memory efficient |
Requires an assembler to run | Requires a compiler to run |
Difficult to debug | Easier to debug |
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