High-level Language

High-level language is the language, which is very close human language and mathematical notation. Machine cannot directly understand the high level language, therefore must be translated into machine language before the instructions are executed. The program written by the programmer in High-level language is called a source program. The program, which is obtained after being converted into machine language, is called object program. Translation is done by a program i.e., a compiler or interpreter. Interpreter translates one statement at a time where as compiler reads the entire program first and then translates it into machine code. Example of high-level language: FORTRAN, Pascal etc.

Advantage of high-level language:

• Easier to learn and understand.
•  Less time to write program.
• It provides better documentation.
• It is machine independent.
• Easier to maintain.

Disadvantage of high-level language

• It takes more time to execute the program.
• Inefficient object code.
• Difficult in debugging if proper diagnosis is not available.
• Inability to perform all operations because cannot manipulate bits and registers.