Programming languages

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1256831696/

Technology continues to become increasingly more prevalent and beneficial in the business world. Used to communicate with computers to execute tasks, the several different programming languages vary significantly. According to TestOut Corp. (2024), “A programming language is a system of notation which allows programmers to write code that a computing device can run. Programmers use many different languages, which follow their own logic and syntax to do their job” (Chapter 10.1.2, para. 1). Each language has different characteristics and systems that differentiate it from other languages and help the programmer read and write code, or machine language, more easily. Learning how to code can be difficult. That’s what makes websites like Scratch such a valuable resource. Throughout this paper, I will share my experience using Scratch, discuss how it is a user-friendly, beginner programming website that combines blocks to make various characters perform actions, and why it differs from other programming languages, as well as why I feel SQL is the easiest language to use, and share examples where each language would be most effective. 

Although Scratch was designed with kids in mind, it is utilized and is helpful for people of all ages. The easy-to-use programming website teaches users foundational programming concepts and provides tutorials and guides to help facilitate learning. My experience building a program via Scratch was fun and insightful. While taking some time to familiarize myself with the site and functions within it, I came across the tutorials page. I viewed several of the videos available to learn how to create a program. I even went to YouTube to view more videos. A few things that I learned about programming after creating my own program include understanding that actions occur in a particular order, that creating code is like storytelling, and that it is critical to understand the particular set of rules of whatever language you are using.

Scratch varies significantly compared to other programming languages. However, this does not appear to be any different than how any other language compares to another. Differences between Scratch and compiled languages include when code can be run. Regarding compiled languages, according to TestOut Corp (2024), “you can’t run or execute the code written in these languages right away” (Chapter 10.1.3, para. 1). When using Scratch, on the other hand, you can run the code immediately. Another difference lies in the complexity of each language—Scratch is very simple and easy to learn and use, whereas compiled language code is extensive and elaborate. 

Scratch is an interpreted language. It can be run on different platforms, and the code runs line by line. It is different, however, in that Scratch does not show errors like the interpreted language. Instead, the blocks on the website can only fit with other blocks, preventing errors from occurring. Assembly language is faster than Scratch and other interpreted languages, and though easier to use than machine language, it is still hard to use. Additionally, according to Ampomah et al. (2017), “assembly language programs are non-portable; a program must be rewritten to run on a different machine” (p. 8, para. 5). 

We’ve shared how easy Scratch is to use. Query languages, which I find to be the easiest of them all due to my experience managing, manipulating, and interacting with data in Excel, are used to find and answer questions about data. Scratch is primarily used as an educational tool to teach programming concepts. Query languages are also much more complex and focus on, while Scratch just requires the user to drag and drop blocks to create programs.

Each programming language was created with specific tasks in mind. Computer languages comprise five generations, and according to Science Direct (n.d.), they “have evolved from machine languages, which are specific to each computer and consist of numeric codes and memory addresses” (para. 2). The first generation is machine languages, which are the lowest level programming language. Followed by assembly languages, which are low-level languages and are not commonly used today except for in some specialized areas. Third-generation languages include high-level languages, like interpreted languages, which are great for creating websites like the one used in this course, and compiled languages, which are perfect for complex video games. The last two generations are known as closer to human language and languages used for artificial intelligence (AI). 

Programming languages are used to complete several different tasks. Compiled languages are known for their speed and efficiency, interpreted languages for their readability, assembly languages for their specific hardware needs, and query languages for their manipulation and data transformation. Throughout this paper, I shared my experience using Scratch, as well as what I learned while using it, compared the website to compiled, assembly, interpreted, and query languages, and provided scenarios where each programming language would be most effective. With their various differences and uses, it is essential to understand how each language works, its purpose, and the language-specific mandatory rules. 

References

Ampomah, E., Mensah, E., & Gilbert, A. (2017). Qualitative Assessment of Compiled, Interpreted and Hybrid Programming Languages. Communications on Applied Electronics. 7. 8-13. 10.5120/cae2017652685

Science Direct. (n.d.). Programming Language. Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/programming-language

Scratch. (n.d.). Fish Tank. Scratch. ttps://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1256831696/editor

TestOut Corp. (2024). CertMaster Learn Tech+. http://www.testout.com