Question

Primary classification of programming languages are
• [(a)] Machine language
• [(b)] Assembly language
• [(c)] High level language
• [(d)] Pseudocode and Algorithms

• A. Only (c) and (d) are correct
• B. Only (a) and (b) are correct
• C. Only (a), (b) and (c) are correct
• D. Only (a) and (d) are correct

Hint:

If a language can be translated and executed by a computer through hardware, an assembler, compiler, or interpreter, it is considered a programming language. Algorithms and pseudocode are only planning tools and cannot be executed directly.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Programming languages are classified according to their level of abstraction from the computer hardware. As computer technology evolved, programming languages developed from machine-dependent forms to highly user-friendly forms. The primary classifications of programming languages are generally divided into Machine Language, Assembly Language, and High-Level Language. Pseudocode and Algorithms, although extremely important in program design and problem-solving, are not actual programming languages because they cannot be directly translated and executed by a computer system.

Step 1: Examine Statement (a) -- Machine Language. Machine Language is the lowest-level programming language and consists entirely of binary digits (0s and 1s). Characteristics include:
• Directly understood by the CPU.
• No translator is required.
• Hardware dependent.
• Difficult for humans to read and write. Since Machine Language is one of the fundamental classifications of programming languages, statement (a) is correct.

Step 2: Examine Statement (b) -- Assembly Language. Assembly Language was developed to simplify programming in Machine Language. Characteristics include:
• Uses mnemonic codes such as ADD, MOV, and SUB.
• Easier to understand than binary code.
• Requires an assembler to convert instructions into machine code.
• Still closely related to hardware architecture. Therefore, Assembly Language is also a primary classification of programming language. Hence, statement (b) is correct.

Step 3: Examine Statement (c) -- High Level Language. High-Level Languages are designed to be user-friendly and independent of specific hardware architectures. Examples include:
• C
• C++
• Java
• Python
• Pascal Characteristics include:
• English-like syntax.
• Easy to learn and maintain.
• Portable across different systems.
• Require a compiler or interpreter. Therefore, statement (c) is also correct.

Step 4: Examine Statement (d) -- Pseudocode and Algorithms. An Algorithm is a logical sequence of steps used to solve a problem. Pseudocode is an informal representation of an algorithm written in structured English-like statements. Important points:
• They are planning tools.
• They help programmers design solutions.
• They are not executable by a computer.
• They do not follow strict programming language syntax. Therefore, they are not classified as programming languages. Hence, statement (d) is incorrect.

Step 5: Determine the correct combination. The correct classifications are: \[ (a),\ (b),\ (c) \] while \[ (d) \] is not a programming language classification. Conclusion: Only Machine Language, Assembly Language, and High-Level Language are primary classifications of programming languages. Therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{Only (a), (b) and (c) are correct}} \] Hence, the correct answer is Option (C).