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

7180 Views

See similar Computing A Level tutors

Related Computing A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe a difference between an array and a linked list.


Taken from an AQA paper: A common misconception is that the Internet is the World Wide Web. Explain the differences between the Internet and the World Wide Web.


What is the main difference between the Stack and the Queue abstract data types?


Project Euler Question 3: What is the largest prime factor of the number 600851475143?


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