Machine language is a computer programming language that uses binary code to communicate with the computer's hardware. The spelling of machine language is /məˈʃiːn ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/. The first syllable is pronounced as 'muh' with a schwa sound, followed by 'sheen' with a long 'ee' sound. The second word, 'language', begins with a light stress on the first syllable, like 'lang', followed by 'gwij' with a short 'i' sound. Understanding the phonetic transcription of machine language can improve pronunciation and communication in the field of computer programming.
Machine language refers to a low-level programming language that is understood and executed directly by a computer's hardware. It is the most basic form of programming language and consists of a series of instructions, typically written in binary code, which directly correspond to machine operations. Unlike high-level programming languages that are intended to be easily readable and comprehensible by humans, machine language instructions are specific to the machine architecture and are executed at the hardware level.
Machine language is the fundamental language used by computer processors to carry out tasks and operations. Each instruction is made up of a series of bits that represent various actions such as arithmetic calculations, logic operations, or data movement. These instructions are executed in a sequential manner by the computer's central processing unit (CPU), following a specific set of rules defined by the machine's instruction set architecture.
As machine language instructions are represented in binary code (a series of 0s and 1s), it can be difficult for humans to read and write directly. Hence, most programmers utilize higher-level programming languages that are then compiled or interpreted into machine language by specialized software called compilers or interpreters.
Although machine language allows for direct and efficient control of hardware resources, programming directly in machine language is complex and error-prone, often requiring in-depth knowledge of the underlying hardware and architecture. Therefore, higher-level programming languages have become more prevalent for coding applications, while machine language remains crucial for tasks such as firmware development, device drivers, and optimization of critical performance-sensitive operations.
The etymology of the word "machine language" can be broken down into its individual components:
1. Machine: This word comes from the Latin "machina" meaning "engine, contrivance". It entered Middle English in the late 14th century, referring to "mechanical contrivance" or "device". Over time, it came to be associated with various types of machinery.
2. Language: This word comes from the Latin "lingua" meaning "tongue". In English, it initially referred to the method of human communication through speech. However, its usage expanded to include systems of communication used by animals or even machines.
Combining these two components, "machine language" refers to the specialized language or set of instructions understood by a machine or computer. It indicates the low-level language that computers can directly execute, consisting of binary code or hexadecimal instructions corresponding to specific operations.