The First Programming Languages: Crash Course Computer Science

The video explores the evolution of programming from hardware-focused machine code to high-level languages. It highlights the cumbersome nature of early programming, the development of assembly languages, and the introduction of assemblers to simplify coding. The video discusses Grace Hopper's pioneering work on compilers, leading to high-level languages like Fortran and COBOL, which made programming more accessible. The evolution of programming languages is traced through the decades, emphasizing the shift towards abstraction and cross-platform compatibility, ultimately reducing the barrier to entry for computing.

Why did programmers seek a 'softer medium' for programming computers?

• To increase the speed of computers

• To reduce the cost of hardware

• To simplify the programming process

• To make computers more powerful

What is the primary language that computer hardware can understand?

• Machine language

• Pseudo-code

• High-level language

• Assembly language

What is the purpose of an assembler in programming?

• To debug machine code

• To compile code into a new programming language

• To translate assembly language to machine code

• To convert high-level code to machine code

Who was responsible for creating the first compiler?

• Grace Hopper

• Charles Babbage

• Alan Turing

• John Backus

What was the main advantage of Fortran over assembly language?

• It was easier to write and understand

• It was faster to execute

• It required less memory

• It was compatible with all computers

What does the term 'write once, run anywhere' refer to?

• The ability to write code that automatically updates

• The ability to write code that never needs debugging

• The ability to write code that runs on any type of computer

• The ability to write code that runs on any operating system

Which programming language was developed as a result of the Committee on Data Systems Languages?

• Python

• Java

• COBOL

• C++

Which decade saw the introduction of languages like Pascal, C, and Smalltalk?

• 1960s

• 1970s

• 1980s

• 1990s

What is considered the 'holy grail' of programming?

• Writing code in binary

• Using plain English to program

• Developing self-learning algorithms

• Creating unbreakable code

Which programming language is likely used in the web browser you are using?

• Swift

• C++

• Ruby

• Python