Understanding C Language
The question asks about the classification of the C programming language, and the correct answer is that it is a third-generation high-level language.
What Are Programming Language Generations?
- First-Generation Languages (1GL): These are machine languages that are directly understood by the computer's CPU. They consist of binary code (0s and 1s).
- Second-Generation Languages (2GL): These are assembly languages that use mnemonic codes and symbols, making them slightly easier to understand than machine language. They still require knowledge of the hardware architecture.
- Third-Generation Languages (3GL): These are high-level languages like C, C++, Java, and Python. They are more abstract, allowing developers to write code using human-readable syntax, which is then translated into machine code by a compiler or interpreter.
Why C is Considered a Third-Generation Language
- Abstraction from Hardware: C abstracts the complexities of the hardware, providing a more user-friendly syntax that allows programmers to focus on problem-solving rather than machine operations.
- Structured Programming: It supports structured programming paradigms, making it easier to manage and maintain complex code.
- Portability: C code can be compiled on different systems with minimal changes, enhancing its usability across various platforms.
Conclusion
In summary, C is classified as a third-generation high-level language due to its abstraction from hardware, structured programming capabilities, and portability features. It is not a machine language or an assembly language, which are much lower-level and closely tied to the computer's hardware.

C is a third-generation high-level programming language.