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Chapter: 01. Categories Of Computers And Computer Languages

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Long Answers Answers

A computer language, or programming language, is a specialized medium consisting of words, symbols, and codes used to transmit instructions for a specific task to a computer. A computer program is a set of these instructions written in a programming language. The process of creating these programs is called programming, and the individuals who write these programs are known as programmers.

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Computers are classified by functioning into Analog, Digital, and Hybrid. Analog computers measure continuous physical quantities like voltage, displaying output as graphs, for example, a car speedometer. Digital computers use binary digits (0s and 1s) for processing and displaying data, offering high accuracy, like modern desktops. Hybrid computers combine features of both, leveraging analog speed and digital accuracy, commonly seen in hospital heartbeat monitors.

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Microcomputers are small, less expensive, and typically designed for a single user at a time, often called Personal Computers. Minicomputers, also known as “minis” or small servers, are larger, more expensive, and more powerful than microcomputers. They are capable of serving multiple users simultaneously, making them suitable for scientific and engineering computations.

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Mainframe computers are very large, fast, powerful, and considerably more expensive than minicomputers, sometimes requiring an entire room due to their size. They are equipped with multiple microprocessors for intense processing. Their primary use is in big organizations like banks, where immense amounts of data need to be processed efficiently and securely for various complex operations.

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Supercomputers represent the largest, fastest, and most expensive category of computers, often occupying an entire floor of a building. Their immense processing power allows them to handle extremely large amounts of data very quickly. They are specifically used in highly demanding tasks for very big organizations and government departments, such as complex weather forecasting and rocket launching simulations.

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Natural Languages, or Fifth Generation Languages (5GLs), are programming languages designed to be very easy to use, often incorporating visual tools for program development. They are closely associated with expert systems and artificial intelligence, aiming to allow more human-like interaction with computers. Examples of 5GLs include Mercury and OPSS, primarily used in specialized fields like medical and scientific applications rather than general business.

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A compiler translates the entire source program into machine language all at once, before execution begins, and then displays all errors together for the whole program. In contrast, an interpreter translates and executes the source program one statement at a time. It checks for errors line by line, displaying them immediately and stopping execution until each error is corrected before proceeding to the next line.

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An embedded computer is a special type of microprocessor-based system designed to perform a specific task within a larger device, rather than being a general-purpose computer. These systems are integral to the device’s function. Common examples include digital cameras for capturing media, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) for financial transactions, and microwaves for controlling cooking time and temperature.

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Handheld computers are portable devices designed to be held in one hand and easily stored in pockets, often featuring touchscreens for input. Two different types include smartphones, which combine mobile phone features with computer capabilities via a touchscreen and apps. Another type is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), which organizes daily tasks and typically uses a pen-like stylus for input, including handwritten recognition.

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Third Generation Languages (3GLs) are high-level languages where programmers write instructions using English-like words and arithmetic operators. This makes them much easier to understand and write compared to low-level languages, as they tell the computer what to do and how to do it. Examples of 3GLs include early procedural languages like C and advanced object-oriented languages like Java.

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A language translator is a crucial program that converts source code written in a high-level language or assembly language into machine language, which the computer can directly understand and execute. Without translators, computers would not be able to process human-readable code. The three main types of language translators are Assemblers, Compilers, and Interpreters.

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Fourth Generation Languages (4GLs) simplify programming by allowing users to specify what the program should accomplish without needing to explain how to do it, unlike 3GLs which require detailing the steps. This makes 4GLs much faster to use and requires less programming effort, even for those with limited background. Examples of 4GLs include SQL and Python.

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General-purpose computers are versatile, capable of performing many different tasks equally well, such as personal computers like laptops and smartphones. In contrast, special-purpose computers are designed to execute a single, specific job with high speed and efficiency, and they cannot be used for other functions, like controlling factory machinery. This distinction lies in their flexibility versus their specialized capability.

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Both Machine Language (1GL) and Assembly Language (2GL) are low-level languages, meaning they are machine-dependent. Machine language is the most fundamental, consisting only of binary digits (0s and 1s), making it extremely difficult for programmers to use directly. Assembly language, developed as an improvement, uses alphanumeric symbols called ‘Mnemonics’ (like ‘A’ for addition) instead of just 0s and 1s, making it slightly more readable and earning it the name ‘Symbolic Language’.

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High-Level Languages offer several advantages for programming. They are user-friendly and resemble the English language, making them easier to understand and write. Programs written in HLLs require less development time and are simpler to maintain. Furthermore, they are machine-independent, meaning programs can be run on various computers after being translated into machine language.

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