A low-level language, also known as the computer’s native language or assembly language, is a programming language closer to hardware and its components. Unlike a high-level language, such as Java or Python, used for software development, low-level codes offer minimal abstractions from machine instructions. That said, low-level programming languages are incredibly fast and memory efficient. Programmers prefer to use these languages to write optimized codes for designing systems.
Low-level language vs. high-level language?
To clarify, you need both types of languages to develop well-functioning software. A simple way to differentiate between the two is to determine the number of actions prompted by an instruction in a specific language. For example, one statement in a low-level language typically refers to a single instruction for the computer.
Conversely, one statement written in a high-level language could prompt multiple actions and interactions for the computer. Though an oversimplification, you can classify the level of a language based on the number of instructions per coding statement: The more instructions the language is capable of, the higher its level.
In addition, low-level languages are easier for computers to understand but harder for people to read. Conversely, high-level languages are easier for people to read but harder for the computer to understand. That is why low-level languages perform much faster and more efficiently—your computer has a better grasp of what you are telling it to do.
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Types of low-level language
Machine language
Machine language comprises binary bits, or the “0”s and “1”s you’re more familiar with. It is the closest language to the hardware, with each instruction performing a particular and minor task. In the earlier days of programming, engineers used machine language to build the architecture of specific software.
Its obvious disadvantage is its tediousness. Developing a program using machine language requires particular care in following a sequence—the wrong “0” or “1” combination could lead to a significant bug or glitch.
Assembly language
Assembly language uses mnemonics, symbols, or codes instead of raw binary sequences. It still interacts directly with the hardware but makes it easier for programmers to remember specific instructions. These symbolic representations of instructions are called “opcodes”. For example, ADD A, B, SUB, MUL, etc., could represent a binary sequence, such as 10001011. Assembly language is used to develop operating systems and other programs that require direct hardware access.
It is worth noting that every computer may have its own assembly language, so programmers still need to use a special program called an “assembler” to translate these codes into machine language.
While assembly language is much easier for humans to understand than machine language, it still requires extensive computer architecture and programming knowledge.
Examples of low-level languages
- Assembly language (x86). This is the most commonly used low-level language for Intel-based or Intel-compatible architectures. x86 allows you to directly access and manipulate your hardware components.
- Circuit description language (HDL). HDL is used primarily to design processors, CPUs, and other types of digital circuits. This language helps you describe the behavior of electric circuits.
- MIPS assembly language. MIPS (microprocessor without interlocked pipeline stages) is essentially used to write programs that must be executed on MIPS processors. It is a popular language in academic environments, often used by universities to introduce students to programming languages in general. GitHub even published its MIPS Assembly Language Programmer’s Guide for programming students and enthusiasts.
- ARM assembly. This language has become increasingly popular for embedded systems, mobile devices, IoT applications, and Linux-based systems. Its architecture is a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) that helps programmers perform several computer instructions faster.
Advantages of low-level languages
- Low-level languages are typically much more efficient, using less system resources to execute instructions.
- Programmers have more control over their devices, peripherals, and system resources.
- Because they lack abstractions, low-level languages have fewer layers between a programmer and hardware, reducing the risk of miscommunication or mistranslation.
- These languages can be used to implement security features at a very low level.
- You can directly manipulate computer registers and storage.
Disadvantages of low-level languages
- Mastering and writing their syntax is much more complex compared to high-level languages.
- Low-level languages are machine-dependent and not portable.
- There is a much higher risk of human error.
- Because of their complexity, low-level languages are often related to poor programming productivity.
- Low-level codes are usually tightly coupled to a specific hardware architecture, requiring programmers to know the low-level language of multiple machines if they work in an IT enterprise with multiple computers.
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