Question

A general-purpose computer language is (a) Prolog (b) COBOL (c) \(C\) (d) FORTRAN

Short answer

\(C\)

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the languages

Prolog is a high-level programming language associated with artificial intelligence and computational linguistics. COBOL is largely used for finance, business and administrative systems for companies and governments. \(C\) is a general-purpose programming language. FORTRAN is a language designed to support numerical computation and scientific computing. Thus, there are two potential general-purpose languages: \(C\) and FORTRAN. However, FORTRAN is significantly more focused on scientific computing.

Conclusion

From the analyzed languages, \(C\) is the most general purpose as it is utilized across an extensive range of applications, from operating systems to text editors. Thus, \(C\) is a general-purpose computer language.

Key concepts

Programming Languages

Programming languages are tools used to create software and applications. They are sets of instructions that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks. Each language has its own syntax and semantics, which determine how instructions are written and executed.
Programming languages can be categorized based on their purpose and features.

• General-purpose languages: These languages are versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications. They are not designed for a specific field, making them flexible tools for developers.
• Domain-specific languages: These are tailored for specific application areas, like web development or scientific computing.

For example, Prolog is well-suited for artificial intelligence and computational linguistics, while COBOL is mainly used in business environments.

C Language

The C language is a powerful general-purpose programming language designed to be easy to write and execute efficiently. Dennis Ritchie developed it in the early 1970s at Bell Labs, and since then, it has become one of the most widely used programming languages in the world.
A key trait of C is its ability to provide clear and precise control of computer resources, making it ideal for system programming and developing operating systems.

• C's syntax is compact, making code concise and easy to read.
• It allows for low-level memory manipulation, which can optimize performance.
• C serves as the foundation for many other languages, like C++, C#, and Java.

C’s versatility allows it to be employed in various sectors, which contributes to its enduring popularity.

Applications of C

The C programming language is known for its broad range of applications. Thanks to its flexibility and efficiency, C is used across many domains.

• Operating Systems: Many of the world's operating systems, including Unix and Linux, are written in C, due to its low-level operations and efficiency.
• Embedded Systems: C is preferred in embedded systems as it can directly interact with hardware and execute with minimal memory usage.
• Compilers: Compilers for other languages are often written in C due to its speed and low-level capabilities.
• Text Editors and Utilities: Software such as text editors, network drivers, and language interpreters are commonly developed using C because of its powerful features.

C's adaptability and performance make it a go-to language for developers seeking to create efficient and reliable software, ensuring it remains an integral tool in programming and computer science.