programming language

[ proh-gram-ing lang-gwij ]

noun

1. a high-level language used to write computer programs, as C++ or Python, or, sometimes, an assembly language.

programming language

noun

1. See machine code, low-level language, high-level language
   a simple language system designed to facilitate the writing of computer programs See high-level language low-level language machine code

programming language

/ prō′grăm′ĭng /

1. An artificial language used to write instructions that can be translated into machine language and then executed by a computer. English and other natural languages are not used as programming languages because they cannot be easily translated into machine language.
2. ◆ A compiled language is a language in which the set of instructions (or code ) written by the programmer is converted into machine language by special software called a compiler prior to being executed. C++ and SmallTalk are examples of compiled languages.
3. ◆ An interpreted language is a language in which the set of instructions (or code ) written by the programmer is converted into machine language by special software called a compiler prior to being executed. Most scripting and macro languages are interpreted languages.
4. See also program

programming language

1. In computer technology, a set of conventions in which instructions for the machine are written. There are many languages that allow humans to communicate with computers; C++, BASIC, and Java are some common ones.

Word History and Origins

Origin of programming language¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Web shells are built using Web-based programming languages such as PHP, JSP, or ASP.

From Ars Technica

He explained that he’d used something called coding, using a programming language to get a computer to do something.

From Washington Post

Just like any other programming languages, structured data needs to be in the correct syntax to provide immediate and easy to follow facts and figures.

From Search Engine Watch

In the years after those programs, I taught myself various programming languages and the finer techniques of rapid machine design and construction, running finite element analysis on my own designs over weekends.

From Washington Post

Guido van Rossum, the creator of the Python programming language, today announced that he has unretired and joined Microsoft’s Developer Division.

From TechCrunch