Programming languages are primarily categorized into two types. They are high-level programming languages and low-level programming languages. If a programming language is similar to a human language like English, it is considered high-level. On the other hand, low-level programming languages are closer to machine language that consists of 0s and 1s. Both high and low-level programming languages are different and are used for various purposes. Here, in this blog, let us look in detail at low-level programming language examples.
What is Low-Level Programming?
Low-level programming is the process of writing source code that is highly related to a computer’s hardware. When compared to high-level languages like Python or Java, Low-level languages offer a more detailed approach to programming. This implies that the computer’s memory and CPU are directly accessible to developers.
Instead of English words and phrases, low-level programming uses complex strings of binary and hexadecimal numbers. On a fundamental level, low-level programming interacts with hardware components such as registers and memory. Also, the programs written in low-level languages will be machine-independent.
Generally, low-level programming gives users precise control over hardware resources. Hence, it is suitable for creating device drivers, operating systems, and embedded systems. Moreover, this language is frequently utilized in situations where speed and efficiency are critical.
Types of Low-Level Programming Languages
The first two generations of programming languages are treated as low-level languages because they resemble binary strings more. During the initial times, computers could only interpret 0s and 1s. Later, to make programming simpler, programmers began to use mnemonics such as ADD, SUB, JUMP, MOVE, and so on.
Here, let us take a closer look at the first two generations of programming languages.
Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Sequel Programming Languages
Machine Language
Machine code is the lowest level of programming language. It mainly consists of binary instructions 0s and 1s that a computer’s central processing unit (CPU) can interpret. Every binary instruction sequence carries out a certain function. Thus, to command a computer, a programmer must be able to recall entire strings as well as patterns of strings.
A machine code is unique to each computer and is difficult to read and write for humans. However, it serves as the foundation for all software that runs on computers.
Machine Language Example
A machine language is written as 0011 110110 001001
Here,
The first four bits (0011) constitute an operation code. It can be any operation, including add, subtract, move, multiply, and more.
The following six-bit sequences (110110 and 001001) are operands. They may be numbers, memory addresses, or registers.
Assembly Language
Assembly language is a step above machine code. It combines mnemonics and symbols to express machine instructions. Therefore, it will be convenient for humans to read. Programmers primarily use assemblers to translate assembly code into machine code so that it will be easier to work with.
Assembly Language Example
In assembly language, an operation will be written as ADD 10,40
Here,
ADD is a mnemonic for adding the numbers 10 and 40.
Low-Level Programming Language Examples
Listed below are some examples of low-level programming languages, other than machine language and assemble language.
C Language
C is typically treated as a low-level programming language because it allows for a high degree of hardware control while providing certain abstractions. It is commonly used in system programming and operating system development.
C++ Language
C++ is a high-level and low-level programming language that is an extension of the C language. It includes features like classes and objects. Additionally, it also allows for direct memory manipulation.
Rust
Performance and safety were the main priorities in the design of this programming language. In order to prevent typical programming errors, it implements strong safety checks while permitting low-level memory control.
Ada
Ada is a statically typed, structured language used in real-time, safety-critical systems such as those in the aerospace and defense industries.
Fortran
It is also a low-level programming language. Fortran is widely utilized in scientific and engineering applications due to its high numerical computing performance.
LISP
Generally related to high-level programming, LISP facilitates low-level memory management and finds use in operating system development and system-level programming.
These languages are appropriate for various low-level programming applications because they provide differing levels of control and abstraction.
Also Read: What is Rust Programming Language and Who can Use it?
Pros and Cons of Low-Level Programming
Before the arrival of high-level languages in the late 1950s, programmers utilized binary strings of 0s and 1s to write code on digital computers.
Later, Assembly Languages appeared, and these languages solved many of the problems with Machine Language by employing mnemonics rather than binary strings.
Here, let us look at the benefits and drawbacks of low-level programming languages.
Pros
- Low-level programs execute quickly because it does not require compilers and interpreters to translate the code.
- In low-level programming, programmers have complete control over the hardware. Therefore, they can efficiently use the CPU and memory. Also, they can directly access computer registers and storage.
- Low-level programs do not require a large amount of data storage. Hence, they are memory efficient.
Cons
- As low-level language applications are machine-dependent, machine code produced on one computer may not function properly on another.
- Learning to code in a low-level programming language requires more time than learning a high-level language.
- Low-level languages consist of strings of 0s and 1s. Therefore, it will be challenging to maintain a lengthy code. Moreover, debugging the code is difficult due to its error-prone nature.
Low-Level Programming Applications
When you need to manipulate hardware at the hardware level, you may use low-level programming languages. They frequently play a vital role in the development of operating systems, embedded systems, and time-sensitive systems.
The following are some real-time applications of low-level programming languages.
- Low-level programming is used by Real-Time Systems like Air Traffic Control systems that have essential performance requirements to maximize efficiency.
- With the help of Low-level programming languages, hardware-specific embedded systems in a variety of electronic products including speakers, digital ovens, air conditioners, and ovens can be developed.
- Low-level programming is used to produce firmware, operating system kernels (programs that communicate directly with hardware), and device drivers for various devices (such as sound cards and graphics cards).
Coding: Low-Level Language Examples
The following are some low-level language coding examples
Example 1
Find here, the sample assembly code to add two numbers.
MOV AX, 30
MOV BX, 60
ADD AX, BX
HLT
Example 2
Here is the sample assemble code to print ‘Hello, World!’
section .data
hello db ‘Hello, World!’,0
section .text
global _start
_start:
; write ‘Hello, World!’ to stdout
mov eax,4
mov ebx,1
mov ecx,hello
mov edx,13
int 80h
; exit the program
mov eax,1
int 80h
Points to Remember About Low-Level Programming Language
- Low-level programming languages are close to machine language. As a result, computers can easily interpret it.
- Machine languages do not require any translations. But, on the other hand, assembly languages require the use of an assembler to convert them into machine code.
- Code created in low-level programming languages is difficult to debug.
- Low-level languages are not extensively utilized in programming.
- Low-level programming languages have a high execution speed because they are similar to machine code.
- Machine language and Assembly language are the two major low-level programming language examples.
Also Read: What is C++ Used for and Why is it Special?
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, this blog on low-level programming language examples would have given you a better understanding of low-level programming languages, assemble code, and machine language.
Low-level programming languages form the core of all software and systems. They provide unparalleled control and efficiency, making them important in a variety of fields. Learning low-level programming is useful for anyone who wants to understand how computers work.
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