Computers can deal with different kinds of problems if they are given the
right instructions Ibr what to do. Instructions are first written in one of. the
high-level languages. e.g. FORTRAN, COBOL, ALGOL, PL/1. PASCAL,
BASIC, or C, depending on the type of' problem to be solved. A program
5 written in one Of these languages is often called a source program, and it
cannot bc directly processed by the computer until il has been compiled.
which means interpreted into machine code. Usually a single instruction
written in a high-level language, when transformed into machine code,
results in several instructions, Here is a brief description of some of the
10 many high-level languages:
acronym for FORmula 'l'RANslalion. This language
FORTRAN
is used for solving scientiLic and mathematical problems, Il consists of
algebraic formulae and English phrases. It was lirsL introduced in the
United States in 1954.
COBOL acronym for COmmon Business-Oriented Language. This
language is used for commercial purposes. C()BOL, which is written using
English statements, deals with problems that do noL involve a lot of
mathematical calculations. It was first introduced in 1959.
ALGOL acronym for ALGOrithmic Language. Originally called LAL,
20 which means International Algebraic Language. It is used for
mathematical and scientific purposes. ALGOL was first introduced in