LOW LEVEL PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

Low level programming languages are programming languages that provide direct access to hardware resources. They are also platform dependent, error prone and time consuming to write and debug. Low level programming languages are characterized by a low level of abstraction, high control, low ease of use and high performance rate.

There are two types of low level programming language, the assembly and the machine code programming language.

Assembly languages use symbolic codes to represent machine specific instructions, allowing programmers to write code that directly interacts with hardware components. The assembly language is a modified version of machine code language, where instructions are given in English like words such as ADD, SUM, MOV etc. it is easier to write and understand than machine code language to but difficult to be  understood by the machine. It is for this reason that a translator also known as an assembler is need to translate it to machine code language. Examples of assembly language includes X86 assembly, ARM assembly and MIPS assembly language.

Machine code language only understands digital numbers in the form of 0 and 1. This is the lowest programming language consisting of binary codes that a computers processor can execute directly. Machine code is specific to the processors architecture that is used and it is typically represented in binary or hexadecimal format.

The advantages of low level programming language is as follows; low level languages provide direct access to hardware resources, allowing for precise control over system components. Low level programming languages can produce highly optimized codes, making them suitable for performance critical applications. Low level programming languages are often used in embedded systems where resources are limited and performance critical.

The disadvantages of low level programming languages are as follows; low level programming languages are often platform dependent requiring modifications to run on different processor architecture or operating systems. Low level programming languages can be error prone due to lack of high level abstractions and the need for manual memory management. Writing low level code can be time consuming and requires a deep understanding of hardware components and system architecture.

Low level programming languages find applications in the following; low level programming languages are widely used in embedded systems such as microcontrollers, robots and other devices that require direct hardware access and control. Low level languages are used in operating systems development particularly for device drivers, boot loaders and other low level system components. Low level programming languages are used for firmware development where code is embedded in hardware devices to control their operations.

The future of low level programming languages is based on the advances and developments in the following technologies; advances in hardware and materials such as the design and development of more powerful and efficient processors will enable new applications for low level programming languages. The growing demand of internet of things integrated network will drive the need for low programming particularly in device firmware and embedded systems. The increasing importance of cyber security will also dive the need for low level programming language in areas where secure boot loaders and device firmware are required.

 

SOURCES:

• Low level programming by Igor Zhirkov.
• Assembly language for X86 processor by Kip R. Irvine.
• The art of assembly language by Randall Hyde.
• Programming from the ground up by Jonathan Bartlett.
• Computer organization and design by David A. Patterson and John Hennessy.