high-level language

(HLL) A programming language which provides some level of

abstraction above assembly language. These normally use

statements consisting of English-like keywords such as "FOR",

"PRINT" or "GOTO", where each statement corresponds to several

machine language instructions. It is much easier to program

in a high-level language than in assembly language though

the efficiency of execution depends on how good the compiler

or interpreter is at optimising the program.

Rarely, the variants "VHLL" and "MLL" are found.

See also languages of choice, generation.

(1994-12-07)