Language of 3rd Generation Computer

With the advancement of technology, computers have gone through several generations, each marked by significant improvements in hardware and software capabilities. The language used by computers is an essential aspect of their functionality. In this article, we explore the language of 3rd generation computers and understand its significance in the computing world.

Key Takeaways:

• The language of 3rd generation computers revolutionized computer programming.
• High-level programming languages enabled easier code development and increased efficiency.
• Fortran and COBOL were widely used programming languages during this era.

The transition from second-generation to third-generation computers was marked by the introduction of high-level programming languages. These languages were designed to be closer to human languages, allowing programmers to write code in a more intuitive and readable manner. The most notable languages of this generation were FORTRAN (Formula Translation) and COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language).

One interesting aspect of third-generation computer languages was their ability to handle structured programming. This approach focuses on breaking complex tasks into smaller, more manageable modules or procedures, enhancing code readability and maintainability. The structured programming concept greatly influenced software development practices.

Evolution of Languages:

1. FORTRAN, developed by IBM in the 1950s, was primarily used for scientific and engineering applications.
2. COBOL, developed in the late 1950s, gained popularity in business and administrative applications.
3. ALGOL (Algorithmic Language), created in the late 1950s, focused on algorithmic calculations and influenced subsequent programming languages.

In addition to these languages, other high-level languages like BASIC, Pascal, and C were also developed during the third-generation era, further expanding the capabilities and options available to programmers.

Advantages and Limitations:

Third-generation computer languages brought numerous advancements to the world of programming. *Fortran* and *COBOL* found extensive usage in various fields due to their ability to solve complex problems efficiently. Although these languages had their limitations, they laid the foundation for future language development.

Legacy and Influence:

The impact of third-generation computer languages is still visible today. Their emphasis on readability, modularity, and human-readable syntax has persisted in subsequent generations and formed the basis for modern programming languages. Language features like functions, control structures, and object-oriented programming owe their origins to the innovations of these early high-level languages.

Conclusion:

Third-generation computer languages revolutionized programming by improving code readability, efficiency, and portability. The introduction of high-level languages like FORTRAN and COBOL laid the foundation for modern programming practices, shaping how software development is approached today.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: 3rd Generation Computers Can Only Understand Machine Language

One common misconception about 3rd generation computers is that they can only understand machine language. While it is true that early computers could only interpret machine language, 3rd generation computers introduced higher-level programming languages such as FORTRAN and COBOL. These languages allowed programmers to write instructions in a more human-readable format, making it easier for them to communicate with the computer.

• 3rd generation computers can interpret higher-level programming languages like FORTRAN and COBOL.
• Higher-level programming languages make it easier for programmers to write instructions.
• The introduction of higher-level languages expanded the accessibility of computers to a wider range of people.

Misconception 2: 3rd Generation Computers Were Slow and Inefficient

Another misconception is that 3rd generation computers were slow and inefficient compared to modern computers. While it is true that 3rd generation computers were slower than today’s computers, they were a significant improvement over their predecessors. 3rd generation computers introduced integrated circuits, which greatly increased processing power and made computers more compact and efficient.

• 3rd generation computers were faster and more efficient than earlier generations.
• Integrated circuits improved processing power and made computers more compact.
• Comparing the performance of 3rd generation computers to modern computers would be unfair as technology has advanced significantly.

Misconception 3: 3rd Generation Computers Were Only Used by Scientists and Professionals

There is a common misconception that 3rd generation computers were only used by scientists and professionals due to their complexity and high cost. However, with the advent of 3rd generation computers, computers became more accessible to a wider range of users. They were used in various industries, including business, government, and education. As technology evolved, computers became more affordable and user-friendly, leading to their widespread adoption.

• 3rd generation computers were used in various industries, not just by scientists and professionals.
• With technological advancements, computers became more affordable and accessible to a wider range of users.
• Widespread adoption of 3rd generation computers contributed to the digital revolution.

Misconception 4: 3rd Generation Computers Had No Graphical User Interface

Some people believe that 3rd generation computers had no graphical user interface (GUI) and were limited to command-line interfaces. However, 3rd generation computers saw the development of GUI systems such as Xerox Alto and the Xerox Star. These interfaces allowed users to interact with computers using icons, windows, and menus, making the computer experience more intuitive and user-friendly.

• GUI systems were developed during the 3rd generation of computers.
• Xerox Alto and Xerox Star were notable examples of 3rd generation computers with a graphical user interface.
• GUIs revolutionized how users interacted with computers, making them more intuitive and user-friendly.

Misconception 5: 3rd Generation Computers Had Limited Memory and Storage Capacity

Another misconception is that 3rd generation computers had limited memory and storage capacity compared to today’s computers. While it is true that 3rd generation computers had smaller memory and storage capacities, they were still significant for their time. 3rd generation computers featured expanded memory systems such as magnetic core and floppy disks, which were used for storing and retrieving data.

• 3rd generation computers had smaller memory and storage capacities compared to modern computers.
• Expanded memory systems like magnetic core and floppy disks were used for data storage.
• For their time, the memory and storage capacities of 3rd generation computers were significant advancements.

The Evolution of Computers

The language of computers has come a long way since their inception. From the bulky and slow machines of the first generation to the more advanced third-generation computers, the language used to program and operate them has undergone significant changes. This article explores various aspects of the language of third-generation computers, highlighting their capabilities and advancements. The following tables provide interesting data and information related to this topic:

The Popularity of High-Level Languages in Third-Generation Computers

High-level programming languages revolutionized the way third-generation computers were programmed. They provided programmers with more user-friendly tools and abstracted the complexities of low-level languages. The table below presents the popularity of some widely used high-level languages during this era:

| Language | Popularity (%) |
|—————-|—————-|
| FORTRAN | 45 |
| COBOL | 30 |
| BASIC | 15 |
| ALGOL | 5 |
| PL/I | 3 |
| Others | 2 |

The Growth of Memory Capacity per Computer

The memory capacity of computers has been consistently improving over the generations, allowing for the storage and processing of larger amounts of data. The table below displays the average memory capacity of third-generation computers:

| Year | Memory Capacity (KB) |
|——|———————|
| 1964 | 8 |
| 1968 | 32 |
| 1972 | 64 |
| 1976 | 256 |
| 1980 | 1024 |

Comparison of Processing Speeds between Second and Third Generation

The transition from second-generation to third-generation computers brought significant improvements in processing speeds. The table below compares the processing speeds of both generations:

| Generation | Processing Speed (KIPS*) |
|————|————————|
| 2nd | 2 |
| 3rd | 20 |

*KIPS: Thousand Instructions Per Second

The Impact of Parallel Processing on Third-Generation Computers

The utilization of parallel processing in third-generation computers allowed for faster and more efficient data handling. The table below demonstrates the speed-up achieved by parallel processing:

| Number of Processors | Speed-Up Factor |
|———————|—————-|
| 1 | 1 |
| 2 | 1.8 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 8 | 5.5 |
| 16 | 9 |

The Cost of Third-Generation Computers Over the Years

As technology advanced, the cost of third-generation computers also decreased. The table below presents the average cost of such computers during their prime years:

| Year | Average Cost (USD) |
|——|——————–|
| 1964 | $500,000 |
| 1968 | $250,000 |
| 1972 | $100,000 |
| 1976 | $50,000 |
| 1980 | $25,000 |

Comparison of Storage Media Capacities

The development of various storage media allowed for increased data storage capacities in third-generation computers. The table below compares the storage capacities of different media:

| Media | Capacity (MB) |
|———–|—————|
| Magnetic | 10 |
| Optical | 700 |
| Hard Disk | 120 |
| Floppy | 1.44 |
| Solid State | 2 |

The Advancements in Graphics Processing

The third generation of computers saw significant improvements in graphics processing capabilities. The table below showcases the advancements in the number of colors supported:

| Year | Number of Colors |
|——|—————–|
| 1964 | 2 |
| 1968 | 8 |
| 1972 | 16 |
| 1976 | 256 |
| 1980 | 1024 |

Comparison of CPU Sizes

The size of central processing units (CPUs) has undergone considerable reductions in the third-generation computers. The table below compares the sizes of CPUs between second and third generations:

| Generation | CPU Size (cm²) |
|————|—————|
| 2nd | 50 |
| 3rd | 10 |

The Evolution of Input and Output Devices

Third-generation computers introduced new input and output devices, enhancing the overall user experience. The table below depicts the evolution of a few such devices:

| Device | Year | Example |
|——————-|——|———————|
| Monitors | 1965 | IBM 2250 |
| Keyboards | 1967 | IBM Selectric |
| Printers | 1969 | IBM 1403 |
| Magnetic Tapes | 1971 | IBM 2400 |
| Floppy Disks | 1976 | IBM 3740 |

In conclusion, the language of third-generation computers marked a remarkable era in the history of computing. Their high-level programming languages, increased memory capacity, faster processing speeds, parallel processing, reduced costs, improved graphics processing, and advanced input/output devices opened up new possibilities for computing. The constant drive for advancements vaulted computers into the modern age we experience today.

Language of 3rd Generation Computer – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the language of 3rd generation computers?

The primary language used in 3rd generation computers is assembly language, which is a low-level programming language that directly corresponds to the machine language instructions of the computer.

Why was assembly language used in 3rd generation computers?

Assembly language was used in 3rd generation computers because it allows programmers to have more control over the hardware and take advantage of the specific features of the computer architecture, providing improved performance and efficiency compared to higher-level languages.

Did 3rd generation computers also support higher-level languages?

Yes, 3rd generation computers also supported higher-level languages such as COBOL, Fortran, and ALGOL. These languages were designed to make programming tasks easier for developers by providing more abstraction and higher-level constructs compared to assembly language.

What were the advantages of using higher-level languages in 3rd generation computers?

Using higher-level languages in 3rd generation computers offered several advantages. They increased programmer productivity, improved code readability, enabled faster program development, supported more structured programming techniques, and facilitated easier code maintenance and portability.

Were there any limitations or drawbacks of using assembly language in 3rd generation computers?

Yes, there were some limitations and drawbacks of using assembly language in 3rd generation computers. Assembly language programming is generally more complex and time-consuming due to its low-level nature. It requires a deep understanding of computer architecture, and programs written in assembly language are less portable and harder to maintain compared to higher-level languages.

What are some examples of applications developed using the language of 3rd generation computers?

Applications developed using the language of 3rd generation computers include scientific simulations, financial modeling, business data processing, database management systems, and communication software. These applications span various domains and industries.

How can I learn and program in the language of 3rd generation computers?

To learn and program in the language of 3rd generation computers, you can start by understanding the basic concepts of computer architecture and assembly language programming. There are numerous books, online resources, and tutorials available to guide you through the learning process. You may also consider taking courses or attending workshops on the subject.

Is learning assembly language still relevant in today’s computing world?

While higher-level languages have gained more prominence in modern computing, learning assembly language can still be relevant and beneficial. It provides a deeper understanding of computer systems and can be useful in specialized domains such as embedded systems, device drivers, and reverse engineering.

Are there any modern languages influenced by the language of 3rd generation computers?

Yes, several modern languages are influenced by the language of 3rd generation computers. For example, C and C++ have elements derived from assembly language and provide low-level programming capabilities. Additionally, some modern assembly-like languages, such as Rust and Go Assembly, have emerged to cater to specific needs and leverage the advantages of low-level programming.