Question

since computers can't be programmed in natural human language, algorithms must be written in a(n) _________ language.

Short answer

Answer: Formal language.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the difference between natural human language and programming languages

Natural human languages are used for communication between people, and they have a vast vocabulary, complex grammar rules, and often involve ambiguity. On the other hand, programming languages are designed for communication between humans and computers, requiring a precise and unambiguous syntax.

Identify the property that characterizes programming languages

Programming languages are structured, formal systems used to give instructions to a computer. They are designed for precision and lack the ambiguity present in natural human languages.

Fill in the blank with the appropriate term

Since computers can't be programmed in natural human languages, algorithms must be written in a(n) formal language.

Key concepts

Algorithm Development

When you build a recipe for your favorite dish, you’re creating a step-by-step guide of exact quantities, ingredients, and instructions on how to cook it. Similarly, in the digital world, algorithm development is like writing a recipe that a computer follows to perform a task.

An algorithm is a sequence of instructions or a set of rules that are followed to complete a task. This can be anything from a simple calculation to a complex problem that requires data processing or decision-making. One fundamental attribute of an algorithm is that it must be finite—if it never ends, the computer will continue to execute it indefinitely. Moreover, an algorithm should be well-defined; each step should be clear and unambiguous.

For example, when creating an algorithm for a sorting task, you would need to specify steps to compare elements, switch their positions if necessary, and repeat the process until the entire set is in the correct order. A well-crafted algorithm is efficient and minimizes the computing resources needed to execute it, significantly improving a program’s performance.

Formal Language

The term formal language in computer science refers to a system of texts that adheres to strict syntactical and grammatical rules, enabling clear communication with computers. Unlike natural languages, which are rich with synonyms, idioms, and cultural nuances, formal languages are designed to be devoid of ambiguity, which is crucial for precise computing processes.

In formal languages, every term and expression has a definite, unchanging meaning. Take, for instance, programming variables—they are a form of formal language element where each variable represents a specific value or piece of data, without the possibility for misinterpretation.

This exactitude ensures that a computer program behaves in a predictable manner when executing an algorithm. It's like comparing the clear instructions of a traffic signal to the complex expressions in poetry; where the former has to deliver an unambiguous command to ensure the flow of traffic, similarly, formal languages are there to control the flow of logic in computer programs.

Computer Programming Basics

Delving into computer programming basics is akin to learning the ABCs before you form sentences. The 'building blocks' of programming are fundamental concepts such as variables, data types, operators, control structures, and syntax rules. These constitute the foundation upon which all software applications are built.

A variable can be thought of as a storage container for information that the program will manipulate. Just as different objects have various shapes and properties, different data types (like integers, strings, booleans) determine the nature of the information stored.

Operators are the tools that enable us to perform operations on variables, much like using a shovel to dig a hole or a comb to align hair. And control structures such as loops and conditionals serve as the decision-making pathways of a program. They dictate the flow of execution based on certain criteria, akin to flowing water that changes direction when encountering a rock.