computer language
    n 1: a programming language designed for use on a specific class
         of computers [syn: computer language, computer-oriented
         language, machine language, machine-oriented language]

programming language
computer language

    A formal language in which computer programs are
   written.  The definition of a particular language consists of both
   syntax (how the various symbols of the language may be combined)
   and semantics (the meaning of the language constructs).

   Languages are classified as low level if they are close to
   machine code and high level if each language statement
   corresponds to many machine code instructions (though this
   could also apply to a low level language with extensive use of
   macros, in which case it would be debatable whether it still
   counted as low level).  A roughly parallel classification is
   the description as first generation language through to
   fifth generation language.

   The other major classification of languages distinguishes
   between imperative languages, procedural language and
   declarative languages.

   Programming languages in this dictionary
   (/contents/language.html).

   <Programming languages time-line/family tree>.

   (2004-05-17)