The Programming Language is a formal system comprising a set of rules (syntax) and symbols used to create instructions, known as source code, that can be processed by a computer to perform specific tasks. It acts as a bridge, allowing humans to communicate complex instructions to a computer in a structured and understandable way. Languages can be broadly categorized into two levels.
Low-level languages, such as machine code (binary instructions) and assembly language, are very close to the computer's hardware architecture. They offer fine-grained control and high performance but are difficult and time-consuming to write. High-level languages, such as Python, C#, Java, Visual Basic, and LabVIEW, are much more abstract and human-readable. They use syntax closer to natural language and handle many of the complex details of the computer's operation automatically (like memory management). This makes them easier and faster to use for developing applications. In the field of instrument control, high-level languages are predominantly used.
Programmers use these languages along with specialized libraries (like VISA and IVI) to write scripts and applications that automate the control of programmable power supplies and other instruments. The choice of language often depends on the application requirements, the development environment (e.g., Microsoft Visual Studio, NI LabVIEW), and the programmer's expertise.
Programming languages may also refer to programming tools.