# high-level programming language

> programming language with strong abstraction from details of hardware

**Wikidata**: [Q211496](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q211496)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-level_programming_language)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/high-level-programming-language

## Summary
A high-level programming language is a programming language with strong abstraction from the details of hardware. It allows programmers to write code that is more readable and easier to maintain compared to low-level languages. High-level languages are designed to be closer to human language and further from machine code.

## Key Facts
- High-level programming languages provide strong abstraction from hardware details
- The term "high-level" is relative and has evolved over time as new languages have been developed
- High-level languages are typically easier to read, write, and maintain than low-level languages
- Examples include Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript
- High-level languages are often portable across different computer architectures
- They typically require compilation or interpretation to convert code to machine language
- High-level languages can improve programmer productivity and reduce development time

## FAQs
### Q: What is the main difference between high-level and low-level programming languages?
A: High-level programming languages provide strong abstraction from hardware details and are closer to human language, while low-level languages are closer to machine code and provide more direct control over hardware.

### Q: Why are high-level programming languages important?
A: High-level programming languages are important because they make programming more accessible, improve code readability and maintainability, and allow developers to write complex applications more efficiently.

### Q: Can high-level languages be as fast as low-level languages?
A: While high-level languages may have some performance overhead compared to low-level languages, modern compilers and interpreters have become very efficient, and the productivity gains often outweigh minor performance differences for most applications.

## Why It Matters
High-level programming languages have revolutionized software development by making it more accessible and efficient. They allow developers to focus on solving problems rather than managing hardware-specific details, which has led to faster development cycles and more reliable software. The abstraction provided by high-level languages has enabled the creation of complex applications that would be impractical to develop in low-level languages. This has been crucial in the advancement of software engineering, enabling the development of everything from simple scripts to large-scale enterprise applications and complex systems. The portability of high-level languages has also been essential in the era of diverse computing platforms, allowing code to run on different systems with minimal modification.

## Notable For
- Strong abstraction from hardware details, making programming more accessible
- Improved code readability and maintainability compared to low-level languages
- Portability across different computer architectures
- Enhanced programmer productivity and reduced development time
- Ability to handle complex operations with simpler syntax

## Body
### Characteristics of High-Level Programming Languages
High-level programming languages are characterized by their abstraction from hardware details. They typically use natural language elements, making them easier to read and write. These languages often include features like automatic memory management, type checking, and built-in data structures.

### Examples and Applications
Common high-level programming languages include Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, and Ruby. These languages are used in various applications, from web development and mobile apps to data analysis and artificial intelligence. Each language has its strengths and is chosen based on the specific requirements of a project.

### Compilation and Interpretation
High-level languages typically require either compilation or interpretation to convert the source code into machine code that can be executed by the computer. Compiled languages like C++ are translated directly into machine code, while interpreted languages like Python are executed line by line by an interpreter.

### Evolution of High-Level Languages
The concept of high-level programming has evolved over time. What was considered high-level in the 1960s, like COBOL or FORTRAN, might be considered low-level by today's standards. Modern high-level languages continue to evolve, incorporating new features and paradigms to improve developer productivity and code quality.

### Impact on Software Development
The introduction of high-level programming languages has significantly impacted software development practices. They have enabled the creation of more complex and sophisticated software systems, facilitated team collaboration through more readable code, and contributed to the rapid growth of the software industry.

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## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. National Library of Israel
4. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)