The benefits and drawbacks of high level language Although they are becoming more and more popular and having many benefits for modern programmers, high level languages (HLLs) nevertheless have significant drawbacks. You might be familiar with Visual Basic, Ruby, Python, JavaScript, Python, C# (but not C++), and Java, to name a few examples. In comparison to low-level and middle-level programming languages, this type has a number of advantages, especially for novices because they are simpler to comprehend. Additionally, they merit your time and effort. After all, you’ll see why they’re a better option than assembly and machine language in the present world. Examine the benefits and drawbacks of high level language.
Benefits of advanced language
Since they are dominating the business, we assume you don’t need persuading to adopt high-level language. We’ll examine the benefits of a high level language to clarify the cause:
1. It is easy to learn and less prone to mistakes
High-level language assertions are written in English. As a result of its resemblance to a human language, programming is therefore simple to learn for beginners. In addition, because the sentences they employ are phrases people say or write every day, both novice and experienced programmers are less likely to make mistakes in their code. When it comes to machine or assembly languages (low-level) with binary or assembly code, the difference in familiarity is substantial, even though it is less obvious when compared to middle-level languages (for example, compare C# and C++). The other two demand more in-depth learning, application, problem-solving, and debugging time.
2. Complex language is approachable
Users still need to learn a lot and study the documentation, but it is much simpler because it is similar to the English language. It is convenient for users to simultaneously specialise in multiple languages. Additionally, they learn that switching to a new or updated version can be rather easy. Programmers can also work on a variety of radically diverse projects thanks to the machine independence of their language without having to learn new syntax or code, or even understand the design or structure of a machine. The changes they might need to make would take much less effort and time than learning a new programming language.
3. It has a higher level of abstraction than low- or middle-level languages.
Three of the fundamentals of object-oriented programming are abstraction, inheritance, and encapsulation (OOP). Abstraction is the capacity of a programmer to isolate the important information from a source object and conceal all the unimportant components in order to increase efficiency and reduce complexity. In other words, programmers can generate numerous abstracted versions of a source object, each having just the data, actions, and characteristics necessary to implement the intended application. The next benefit of a high level language is made feasible because of this.
4. High level language is independent of machines.
This kind of programming language employs a human-friendly vocabulary, which is subsequently translated into machine-friendly code by interpreters or compilers. Its two different execution models are what give it its strength and adaptability. The same source code written in a high-level language can be converted with little to no changes into a variety of machine languages. It is simple to comprehend why this language is used for practically all programmes in modern society, including websites, system software, utility programmes, desktop and mobile applications, and more.
5. Debugging and problem-solving are simpler
Programmers are less prone to make mistakes when they are coding from the beginning, as was mentioned. Finding difficulties is also made simple by familiarity. The ability of compilers and interpreters included in modern software to help programmers find errors is also continually improving. In addition, there are websites that examine code and highlight problems. In addition, numerous websites, including stackoverflow.com, are online discussion forums where programmers congregate to exchange information. Finally, a wide variety of courses and guides are offered. All of this results in a code debugging process that is easier, quicker, and more effective.
6. Boosts programming efficiency
All of the benefits we’ve listed thus far have resulted in a significant increase in productivity for high-level languages over other languages. To find work, programmers do not need to be experts in a specialised language; they can readily collaborate. Since source code may be compiled or interpreted in a broad variety of methods, the invested effort is much better utilised thanks to the familiarity, which also makes integrating new team members into the workflow simpler. Additionally, because of the nature of programming, programmers may concentrate on logic and debugging and spend far less time learning programme code, syntax, and architecture. Finally, these languages require less upkeep.
Problems with high-level language
Let’s jump right into the drawbacks of a high level language.
1. Translation causes high-level language to move more slowly
Users are probably aware by now that translating source code to binary or assembly code via an interpreter or compiler increases the execution time of high-level languages. As a result, high level language programmes typically take longer to complete than middle or low level language programmes. Low or middle-level languages therefore take precedence when time is of the essence because high-level ones are time-inefficient.
2. It uses memory less effectively.
The higher memory requirements of this kind of programming language are another obvious drawback. Before interpreting or compiling user instructions into a machine or assembly language, high level languages must store them. These instructions use considerably more memory, which raises the price of storage.
3. Object code written in high level languages is inefficient
The output, known as the object code, is less effective than code written in assembly or machine language as a result of compilation or interpretation. That is to be expected, and its versatility offsets the uses in unrelated industries.
4. It doesn’t directly interface with hardware
High level language is inherently incapable of communicating with computers, whether it is compiled or interpreted. That provides the advantages we discussed, but it also poses limitations. It is impractical to utilise anything other than assembly or machine language in some sectors of the economy that have expensive but old technology or security threats. Additionally, that lowers the levels of control and access to that gear. Programmers who are not familiar with low-level programming languages may thereby miss out on job prospects in specialised fields.
5. Low flexibility is offered by high level languages
This language flaw is directly related to hardware control. Because the CPU, registers, and memory of the machine cannot be directly instructed by programmers, they cannot or can only do so very laboriously. Because of this lack of flexibility, high level programmers cannot access some specific functionalities. They are less practical than utilising assembly or machine language, at the very least.
