The Generations of Programming Languages | Computer Science History

Summary

This video delves into the evolution of programming languages, tracing their development from the 1940s to present day. It begins with 1GL, machine languages, used for early computer programming, and progresses through 2GL, assembly languages, which introduced mnemonics for easier readability. The video then explores 3GL, high-level languages like FORTRAN and C, emphasizing their role in code reusability. It touches on the debate over Python and JavaScript's classification before discussing 4GL, database-oriented languages like SQL, and 5GL, constraint-based languages. The host expresses curiosity about current 5GL usage and encourages viewers to engage in the discussion.

Takeaways

• 💡 The video discusses the evolution of programming languages, categorizing them into five generations: 1GL, 2GL, 3GL, 4GL, and 5GL.
• 🕒 1GL, or machine language, originated in the 1940s and involves programming directly in binary, which is efficient but difficult for humans to understand.
• 🔠 2GL, or assembly language, introduced mnemonics and English words for programming, making it more readable for humans compared to 1GL.
• 🔧 Assembly language, part of 2GL, was pivotal for debugging and introduced advanced programming methods like macros and structured programming.
• 📈 The transition from 1GL to 2GL marked a significant leap in human readability and programming sophistication.
• 🌐 3GL, high-level languages like FORTRAN, BASIC, Pascal, and C, introduced concepts like variables, loops, and error handling, making programming more accessible.
• 📝 The video clarifies a common debate, asserting that languages like Python, Ruby, and JavaScript are considered 3GL despite having some 4GL features.
• 📊 4GL languages, such as SQL, are closely related to databases and are used for queries, reporting, and GUI creation, emphasizing a more human-like approach to programming.
• 🤖 5GL languages focus on constraint-based programming and AI, aiming to solve problems with minimal human intervention.
• 📚 The video highlights the historical significance of women in early programming and computer science, emphasizing their substantial contributions.
• 🔍 The speaker shares personal experiences and insights, including the use of Prolog in college, to provide a relatable perspective on the discussed programming languages.

Q & A

What are the five generations of programming languages?

The five generations of programming languages are: 1GL (Machine Language), 2GL (Assembly Language), 3GL (High-Level Languages like FORTRAN, BASIC, Pascal, and C), 4GL (Closer to human language, often used for database-related tasks like SQL), and 5GL (Constraint-based languages and visual tools).

What is the main difference between 1GL and 2GL programming languages?

1GL programming languages are machine languages that use binary code (ones and zeros) and are directly executed by the CPU. 2GL programming languages are assembly languages that use mnemonics, which are easier for humans to understand and write, and require an assembler to convert them into machine language.

When were the first generation programming languages used?

The first generation programming languages, which are machine languages, were used back in the 1940s for programming the first generation computers.

Who are some of the key figures in the early development of assembly language?

Kathleen Booth and David J. Wheeler are two key figures in the early development of assembly language. Booth developed an assembly language for the R2 system in 1947, while Wheeler developed one for EDSAC in 1949.

What is the significance of the assembler in the context of 2GL programming languages?

The assembler is significant in 2GL programming languages because it translates assembly language into machine language, making it easier for humans to write and debug code, and introducing advanced programming methods like macros and structured programming.

What are some examples of 3GL programming languages?

Examples of 3GL programming languages include FORTRAN from the 1950s, BASIC from the 1960s, and Pascal and C from the 1970s. These languages introduced concepts like variables, constants, loops, and error handling.

Why were 3GL languages created?

3GL languages were created to allow for the reusability of code blocks, making programming more efficient and easier to manage, and they introduced higher-level constructs that were closer to human language.

What is the debate surrounding Python's classification as a 3GL or 4GL language?

There is a debate about whether Python should be considered a 3GL or 4GL language. Some people argue that Python's high-level features and capabilities make it more like a 4GL, while others maintain that it fits better within the 3GL category due to its syntax and structure.

What are the main domains for 4GL programming languages?

The main domains for 4GL programming languages are typically related to databases, including database queries, report generation, data manipulation, analysis, and reporting, as well as GUI creation and some web development tasks.

What was the initial expectation for 5GL programming languages in the 1980s?

In the 1980s, 5GL programming languages were expected to be the future of programming, with the belief that all procedural programming would be replaced by constraint-based programming. This led to significant investment in 5GL research and development.

Why did 5GL programming languages not become as widespread as initially anticipated?

5GL programming languages did not become as widespread as initially anticipated because they proved to be more difficult to implement than expected. The shift from procedural programming to constraint-based programming was not as smooth as predicted, leading to a decline in their popularity.