Information and Communication Technology

3.1.8.3 Procedure-Oriented Language (POL) 

These languages consist of a set of words and symbols and one can write programmes using the se in conjunction with certain rules like 'English' language. These languages are oriented towards the problem to be solved or procedures for solution rather than mere computer instructions. These languages are more user-centred rather than machine-centred . They are better known as high level languages .

The most important characteristic of a high-level language is that it is machine-independent and a programme written in a high-level language can be run on computers of different makes with little or no mod ification. The programmer need not know the characteristics of that machine. However, such programmes are to be translated into equivalent machine-code instructions before actual implementation.

A programme written in a high-level language is known as the source-programme and can be run on different machines using different translators. The translated programme is called the object programme. The major disadvantage of high-level languages is that they take extra time for conversion and are thus less efficient compared to the machine-code languages. The illustration given below shows the system of implementing the three levels of languages.

The re has been a continuous improvement in the methods of communication with the computers. The improvements have been as significant as that of hardware. The developments in languages have been classified under four phases. They are termed as follows:

• Fir st generation: Machine languages
• Second generation: Assembly languages
• Third generation: High-level languages
• Fourth generation: DBMS, lESS, WP, and Graphics packages