Computer Language and Software Development Cycle

Computer Languages

It is a type of artificial language used to communicate with computer. We know that a computer is an electronic device works on ON and OFF (1 AND 0) Technique to read and write data. We use several languages to communicate with others, just like it, we use several computers to communicate with other computers e.g. BASIC, COBOL, PASCAL, FORTRAN etc. Computer understands only computer language written in binary or simple English followed by special syntax.

Types of Computer languages

• Machine level language
• Low level language
• High level language
• Advance high level language

Machine Code (Machine Languages)

Computer dependent language written in binary is called Machine code or Machine language. Machine code requires a high level programming skill along with sound knowledge of computer architecture and functions. Instructions written in binary are immediately executable without help of any language translators because computer understands only machine codes.

Advantages

• It is written on machine code so no need to translate it into machine language.
• It has faster execution than other languages.
• Other translator type subsidiary programs are not required.

Disadvantages

• It is difficult to understand and develop a program using machine language.
• It is machine-oriented language.
• The knowledge of computer internal architectures is essential for program coding.
• Time consuming coding.
• Debugging is tough and difficult.

Low Level Language

It is a low-level language in which some high level words are used with machine codes. These words are called mnemonics. Some mnemonics are given below:

• ADD for Addition
• SUB for Subtraction

Assembly language require ASSEMBLER to translate assembly language code into computer understandable code (Machine code). So, it is not immediately executable. It is difficult to develop the program using this immediately executable. It is difficult to develop the program using this language.

Advantages

• Coding is faster than machine code language because mnemonics are used for program coding.
• Less time consumed respect to Machine code languages.
• Debugging is easy.

Disadvantages

• Machine oriented language
• The good knowledge of machine architectures is required.
• Time consuming
• Translator is used to translate program into machine code.
• Not as fast as machine code language in case of execution.

High level language

High level language contains a set of instructions written in simple English. It is a set of some symbols, words and rules to instruct machine. The language is oriented towards the problem and procedures. Program written in high level language is called source program. A language translator is used to translate into object code (Machine code).

Advantages

• Simple English is used for program coding.
• Machine independent
• Problem and procedure oriented
• The knowledge of computer architectures is not necessary.
• It requires less time for program coding.
• Program can be debugged easily

Disadvantages

• Since it is written in user's language so it should be converted into machine code.So it requires a translator.
• The execution of the program is slower than machine code.
• The conversion time is slower than assembly language because it is entirely written on human language.

4GL (4th Generation Language)

It is a high level language in which fewer instruction codes are used to accomplish a particular task. It is non-procedural language. Major 4th generation languages are used to get information from files and databases. These are Database oriented programming language.

Example :DBASE, FOXPRO, SQL, VB Etc
Advantages

• Software developed using 4GL are user friendly.
• It is very easy to develop a program because no need to remember the commands and instructions for the program development and we can use drag and drop type command button to develop the program. These buttons are available on the system that helps to develop the program.

Disadvantages

• Program runs slower because it is heavy in size and design.
• It is required to devote longer time to convert into machine code.
• Huge sized powerful translators are required to convert.

Software Development Cycle

The software is developed by dividing the whole process into multiple stages arranged in cycle called software development cycle.

The stages are:

1. Problem Identification: The first step is the identification of a problem. In this stages, the necessary input, the outline of result is determined. It determines which parts of a system is to be computerized and which are not. We allocate the necessary resources and constraints for software development.
2. System Analysis: After identifying the problem, the next step is to check whether it feasible to implement the system or not i.e. the system is analysed.The resources needed for implementation such as computing equipment, manpower and cost are estimated, based on the specifications of users requirements. These estimates are compared with the available resources.
3. System Design: The next step is to develop the logical design of the system. The input of the system design phases are functional specification of the system and details about the computer configuration. During this phases the logic program is designed, files or database are designed, and program test plans and an implementation plan are drawn up. The system design should begin from the objectives of the system, namely, the information requirement of users, and use this to find the necessary database.
4. System Evaluation and Testing: After the system has been in operation for a reasonable period, it is evaluated and a plan for its improvement is drawn up. A system is tested whether the objectives are satisfied or not.
5. System Modification: Since a computer based system is a piece of software, it can be modified after it is evaluated. Modifications will definitely cost time and money, but users expect modification to be made as the name software itself implies it is soft and hence changeable.

Important Full Forms

1. MLL : Machine level language
2. AL : Assembly language
3. HLL : High level language
4. FORTRAN : Formula Translation
5. CODASYL : Conference On Data System Langugage
6. CP/M : Control Program for Microcomputers
7. QBASIC : Quick Beginner’s All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
8. VB : Visual Basic
9. CESIL : Computer Education in Schools Instruction language
10. QeL : Query Language
11. SQL : Structure Query language
12. SNOBOL : String Oriented Binary Language
13. ALGOL : Algorithmic Oriented language
14. IRTB : Industrial Real Time Basic
15. RPG : Report program generation
16. QBE : Query by Example
17. PROLOG : Programming Logic
18. 1GL : First Generation language
19. 2GL : Second Generation language
20. 3GL : Third Generation language
21. 4GL : Four Generation language
22. 5GL : Fifth Generation language
23. AC : Alternating Current
24. ANSI : American National Standard Institute.
25. APL : A Programming language
26. ARPA : Advance Research project agency
27. BIT : Binary digit
28. BPI : Bytes per inch
29. Byte : Binary digit eight
30. CGA : Color graphic Adapter
31. CMOS : Complementary Metal Oxide Semi conductor
32. COM : Computer Output to Microfilm
33. CPI : Character per Inch
34. SIMM : Single In line Memory Module
35. DIMM : Dual In line Memory Module
36. EDO DRAM : Extended Data Out Dynamic Random Access Memory
37. EDD : Electronic Data Processing
38. EEPROM : Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
39. DSHD : Double Sided High Density
40. DSDD : Double Sided Double Density
41. EGA : Enhance Graphics Array
42. FDS : Fixed Disk System/Storage
43. FTP : File Transfer Protocol
44. GaAS : Gallium Arsenide
45. HTTP : Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
46. ICL : International Computers Limited
47. ISP : Internet Service Provider
48. Kbps : Kilo Bits Per Second
49. Bps : Bits Per Second
50. Mbps : Mega Bits Per Second
51. NIC : Network Interface Card
52. MOS : Mercantile Office System
53. OCP : Order Code Processor
54. PCB : Printed Circuit Board
55. POST : Power On Self Test
56. SCP : System Code Processor
57. SMPS : Switch Mode Power Supply
58. SSHD : Single Sided High Density
59. SSSD : Single Sided Single Density
60. SSI : Small Scale Integration
61. SVGA : Super Video Graphics Array
62. UMB : Upper Memory Block
63. USB : Universal Serial BUS
64. URL : Uniform Resource Locator
65. VIRUS : Vital Information Resources Under Seize
66. WORM : Write Once Read Memory
67. WWW : World Wide Web
68. POP : Post Office Protocol
69. ADSL : Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
70. SIM : Subscriber Identification Module
71. CDMA : Code Division Multiple Access
72. MD-2DD : Mini Disk Double Sided Double Density
73. MD2HD : Mini Disk Double Sided High Density
74. MF-2DD : Micro Floppy Double Sided Double Density
75. MF 2HF : Micro Floppy Double Sided High Density
76. NASA : National Aeronautics and Space Administration
77. GSM : Global Service for Mobile
78. CRBT : Caller Ring Back Tone
79. SMS : Short Message Service
80. GPRS : Global Packet Radio Service