For developers, languages are tools for software development that facilitate communication between them and the computers. Generally, these languages can be categorized as either low-level or high-level. Low-level languages include specific languages such as assembly and machine code, in which the programmer interfaces directly with the hardware. High-level languages include Python, Java, and so forth, and they are created to serve ease of use and readability. To that point, these distinctions are important for a developer, when choosing the best language according to their work.
Low-level programming languages have a very close affinity with machine code, which is the native language of computers. These languages provide minimum abstraction from the hardware so that the programmers can interact directly with computer memory and processing units. Examples include assembly language and machine code. Mainly, high-performance features are provided with low-level languages because they usually generate faster and more efficient code since they work closer to the hardware.
On the other hand, high-level programming languages provide a greater level of abstraction from hardware and are, therefore, friendlier to use. They are designed to be easy to use, hence, the development process can be executed with familiar syntax and concepts. Most of the common high-level programming languages include Python, Java, and JavaScript. It has been proved that high-level languages are very easy to use. These generally have more simple syntaxes and structures and therefore are easy to understand and use for beginners.
Low-level languages have abstractions at very low levels, a programmer writes commands in programs that look very much like the structure of a computer. High-level languages have high abstraction, so there is much abstraction above the hardware, where developers concentrate on logic and functionality instead of "how it works" or "the guts" of the software under development. Thus, high-level languages are very suitable for rapid application development and prototyping.
Low-level languages are characterized by high speed and efficiency. This is in the sense that they make direct interactions with hardware, thus executing programs faster and using all system resources more efficiently. For instance, real-time systems use low-level languages in several applications because performance is a must. With high-level languages, there is some penalty in terms of execution speed due to abstraction layers. Although much slower than high-level languages, high-level languages allow for much higher performance through the use of compilers and interpreters.
Low-level languages offer fine-grained control over system resources, so controlling memory allocation, how many registers are used, or all other hardware-related operations are within the scope of a low-level programming language. Such minute control is required by system programming and for scenarios with the heavy need to manage allocated resources, such as embedded systems. High-level languages downscale such control to make development easier. While this would certainly hasten the cycle of development, often this has to be at the expense of inefficiency or less than optimal resource usage, especially for applications that depend highly upon careful management of resources.
High-level languages are easier to use, their syntax and structures come very naturally, almost like human language, and may even be used by a novice. It permits developers to spend more time on solving a problem rather than having to deal with low-level details. High-level languages tend to have a more concise code, readable, and easier to maintain. Low-level languages are not so friendly to a beginner in programming because they demand a deeper understanding of computer architecture and the underlying programming concepts.
The usual high-level code is more portable than that of low-level languages across different platforms. It can be run with very small modifications on varied operating systems. This cross-platform capability is critical for web applications, as well as for software that needs to be used by people over a vast range. Low-level languages, however, tend to be very architecture-dependent. Code written for one type of machine may not work on another with significant changes. This characteristic of being intolerant of portability is one of the disadvantages of low-level languages for developers looking at creating software that runs on multiple devices.
The rapidity with which development cycles can be completed is high with high-level programming languages. With the help of abstractions and embedded libraries, high-level programming languages allow writing and maintaining the codes quickly. This is very helpful in fast-moving environments where time to market is the prime thing. Low-level programming languages, due to the complexity involved in writing and debugging the codes, tend to slow down the development process. In situations like rapid prototyping or iterative development, this becomes a significant disadvantage.
Thus, low-level as well as high-level programming languages play an essential role in the development of software. The significance of low-level languages in system-level programming and optimization-critical applications is because of the performance and control characteristics. In contrast, the high-level languages focus on ease of use and productivity. It was quite apt for web development, data analysis, rapid application development, and much more. Choosing which of these languages to use is determined by the needs of the project, the skill level of the developer, and the outcome sought for an application.