What is the difference between a high level language and a low level language?

A high level language is written in human-oriented English-like keywords. It allows the programmer to use meaningful variable names, predefined functions and libraries and data structures (e.g. arrays/lists). A low level language is close to the hardware, in fact it is not far off the binary instructions given to the processor. It is in many ways significantly more complicated due to the lack of predefined libraries and functions, data structures and readability. Perhaps one of the most awkward parts of L.L.L.s are the fact they change with the processor/architecture of the system. For example AMD processors would have similar but not identical low level languages to Intel processors.

AC
Answered by Aaron C. Computing tutor

7061 Views

See similar Computing A Level tutors

Related Computing A Level answers

All answers ▸

State the main features of a tree


Explain a bubble sort. You may use pseudocode and/or diagrams to help demonstrate your answer.


How does the Stack data type work?


Why would you use Assembly Language instead of a normal programming language?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning