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CUT6 11.4
Computers: Understanding Tech 6e 11.4
Term | Definition |
---|---|
assembly language | A low-level programming language that uses symbols and words to represent the elements of machine code. |
COBOL | Acronym for COmmon Business-Oriented Language. A programming language used chiefly for business applications by large institutions and companies. COBOL was designed to be an English-like language for handling database processing. |
RPG | Acronym for Report Program Generator. A programming language commonly used in business environments, particularly in programs for IBM’s AS/400. RPG is slow and inefficient, but simplifies the coding of database applications. |
FORTRAN | Acronym for FORmula TRANslator. For many years, the programming language of choice for math, science, and engineering projects. FORTRAN is still in use today in factories and laboratories, although it isn’t as common as COBOL. |
BASIC | Acronym for Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. A high-level language that’s friendlier and more natural than COBOL and FORTRAN. BASIC is still used professionally in an updated form (Visual Basic). |
Visual Basic (VB) | A Microsoft-owned language that is commonly used for developing software prototypes and custom interfaces for Windows platforms. |
C | A programming language that is a compromise between high-level and low-level languages, containing components of both BASIC and assembly language, but still considered a high-level language. |
C++ | A modern adaptation of the C programming language, with added features such as object-oriented programming. C++ is used for most commercial software development today. |
C# | A modern object-oriented language derived from C++ and Java that combines the productivity of Visual Basic with the power of C++. C# allows the use of features in Microsoft .NET Framework, C, and Microsoft’s Component Object Model (COM). |
Objective-C | A variant of the C programming language that Apple uses to create the OS X and iOS operating systems. Objective-C adds an object-oriented messaging component to the basic C feature set. |
Swift | A new Apple-developed language that may soon replace Objective-C as the preferred programming language for developing the iOS and OS X operating systems as well as applications that run on those platforms. |
applet | A small application. Many applets are written in Java or other platform-independent language so they can run on all types of computer operating systems. |
Java virtual machine (JVM) | Software that converts general Java instructions into commands that a device or computer can understand. JVM is currently built into most web browsers and works with embedded chip devices such as smart cards and smartphones. |
cross-platform compatibility | The ability to run on multiple operating systems. |
scripting language | An interpreted language that’s relatively easy to learn and use; a nonprocedural language. |
nonprocedural language | A language that explains what the computer should do in English-like terms, but not precisely how the computer should do it. |
Perl | Acronym for Practical extraction and report language. A popular scripting language used in building web pages. |
VBScript | A popular scripting language used in building web pages; loosely based on Visual Basic. |
JavaScript | A popular scripting language used in building web pages; like Java, developed by Sun Microsystems. |