Introduction
Programming languages act as a bridge between human-readable code and machine-executable instructions. They provide syntax and semantics that allow developers to write code that computers can understand and execute.Types of Programming Languages
Programming languages are categorized based on different criteria:- Compiled vs. Interpreted Languages
- Programming Paradigms
- Statically vs. Dynamically Typed Languages
Compilation vs. Interpretation
Programming languages follow different execution models to translate source code into machine-understandable instructions.Compiled Languages
Compiled languages require a compiler to translate the entire source code into machine code before execution. Examples include C, C++, Rust, and Go.How Compilation Works
Advantages:
- Faster execution since code is pre-compiled.
- Optimized performance.
- Better error detection during compilation.
Disadvantages:
- Requires a compilation step before execution.
- Platform dependency (unless using cross-compilers).
Interpreted Languages
Interpreted languages execute code line-by-line using an interpreter. Examples include Python, JavaScript, PHP, and Ruby.How Interpretation Works
Advantages:
- Easier debugging.
- Platform-independent.
- No need for compilation.
Disadvantages:
- Slower execution compared to compiled languages.
- Runtime errors appear only during execution.
Hybrid Model: Bytecode Execution
Some languages use a hybrid model where code is compiled into bytecode and then executed by a virtual machine (VM). Examples include Java (JVM), C# (CLR), and Python (PVM).Programming Paradigms
Programming paradigms define the style of programming in different languages.1. Procedural Programming
- Follows a step-by-step procedure.
- Uses functions and control structures like loops and conditionals.
- Example languages: C, Pascal, Fortran.
2. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
- Based on objects and classes.
- Uses concepts like inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism.
- Example languages: Java, C++, Python.
3. Functional Programming
- Treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions.
- Avoids mutable data and side effects.
- Example languages: Haskell, Lisp, Scala.
4. Scripting Languages
- Used for automating tasks and web development.
- Example languages: JavaScript, Bash, Python.
5. Logic Programming
- Uses rules and facts to derive conclusions.
- Example languages: Prolog, Datalog.
Statically vs. Dynamically Typed Languages
| Feature | Statically Typed | Dynamically Typed |
|---|---|---|
| Type Checking | At Compile Time | At Runtime |
| Examples | C, Java, Rust | Python, JavaScript |
| Flexibility | Less Flexible | More Flexible |
| Safety | More Type Safety | More Prone to Errors |