2. Low level language concepts

A low level language is one whose programming statements are geared towards a particular CPU family, such as the x86 family of processors. Low level languages are almost (but not quite) machine code.

'Assembly language' is an example of a low level programming language.

Chip makers such as Intel provide programmers with an Assembly Language with which to code their particular CPU.

Some features of Low Level languages include

• They are CPU specific, making direct use of internal registers
• 'Mnemonics' are used as programming code such as MOV or ADD
• Many different memory modes can be used
• Labels are used as reference points to allow the code to jump from one part to another.

Pros.

• Low level languages are excellent for close control of the CPU, for example many device drivers are coded in assembly language.
• They can be very efficient. Well-optimised code written in a low level language can be made to run very quickly compared to other programming paradigms.

Cons

• They are difficult to use as the programming commands can be quite obscure
• A good assembly language programmer needs to know a lot of detail about the internal structure of the CPU - e.g.its registers and memory management methods
• Low level languages produce the least portable source code.

Assembly language looks like this: