High-level languages

In short: High-level languages use human-like words and are easy to learn. Examples are Python, Java, C# and JavaScript.

In more detail: They hide the hardware details. You write if, for, print instead of processor instructions. For the computer to run it, the code first has to be “translated”.

In Depth

• Translation: a compiler converts the source code into machine code beforehand. An interpreter runs it line by line. Some languages use both (JIT).
• Advantages: readable, quick to develop, portable across systems, fewer errors thanks to aids such as memory management.
• Disadvantages: usually a little slower and with higher memory use than low-level languages.
• Typical uses: C# for enterprise software, Python for data analysis, C++ for game development, C and Rust for systems programming.

See also: algorithms, IDE