In which generation of computer was the mechanical language for progra...
- It is the first generation of computer which uses mechanical language for programming.
- The instructions were given through the front panel switches of these computers, directly to the CPU.
- The program is written as binary instructions, consisting of zeros and ones.
- One the main disadvantages of programming in a low level language is that when an error occurs, the code is not as easy to fix.
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In which generation of computer was the mechanical language for progra...
Understanding Computer Generations
Computer generations are classified based on technological advancements. Each generation represents a significant leap in technology and programming methods.
First Generation (1940-1956)
- The first generation of computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory.
- Mechanical language, also known as machine language, was the primary programming language during this era.
- Programs were written in binary code, directly corresponding to the hardware instructions.
Characteristics of Mechanical Language
- Binary Code: Programs were composed of 0s and 1s, requiring programmers to have a deep understanding of the hardware.
- Hardware Dependency: Each program was specifically tailored to the hardware it was designed for, limiting portability and reuse.
- Complexity: Writing programs in machine language was tedious and error-prone, making programming a challenging task.
Subsequent Generations
- Second Generation: Introduced assembly language, which used mnemonics instead of binary, improving readability and ease of programming.
- Third Generation: Featured high-level programming languages like C and Java, allowing for more abstraction from hardware.
- Fourth Generation: Focused on high-level languages and user-friendly development environments, further streamlining the programming process.
Conclusion
The correct answer is option 'A' because the first generation of computers relied heavily on mechanical language for programming, marked by its binary coding system and direct correspondence with the hardware. This laid the foundation for subsequent programming languages and paradigms that evolved in later generations.