I get that computers fundamentally operate using bits, represented as 0s and 1s, and programming languages are used to manipulate these bits. Originally, languages like COBOL manipulated these bits directly. But how do modern languages function? Do languages like Kotlin influence bits directly, or do they compile down to languages like C or C++ first? For instance, does Swift use Objective-C or C under the hood to interact with bits? Is it true that all languages eventually affect bits, or are there exceptions based on platform? I'd really appreciate explanations or links to resources that cover these concepts!
5 Answers
COBOL doesn't manipulate bits directly—it's similar to other high-level languages today. Languages like Kotlin can be compiled directly to machine code. Generally, some languages use existing languages, like C, to create the first compiler, and from there, new languages can compile their own code. Some compile to an intermediate bytecode first, like Java and Kotlin, while others may even run through interpreters that convert code at runtime.
In essence, all programming languages interact with machine code at some point, which ultimately uses bits. Each language has its own way of getting there—some direct, some indirect. For example, languages like C directly generate machine code, while Java compiles to bytecode that runs on a virtual machine.
True! The layers of abstraction can be complex, but they help simplify programming.
The difference between compiled and interpreted languages is indeed fascinating!
Modern programming languages typically compile down to a list of CPU operations, which include commands like "add 1 to this" or "store this value there." The CPU executes these commands in order, often at lightning speed! So, while these languages don't often deal with bits directly, they certainly end up getting handled as machine code.
Exactly! Modern microprocessors can handle massive operations at once, so it makes things feel incredibly efficient.
But what's a CPU operation exactly?
You're right that computers run on bits, but it's worth noting that while directly connecting to the CPU can influence them, this is rarely done. Most programming languages utilize layers of abstraction. For instance, a language like C compiles to assembly, which is then transformed into machine code. Higher-level languages like Kotlin or Java generate bytecode that runs on a virtual machine, adding another layer of translation before affecting the bits on the hardware.
Interesting perspective! And with C, you often have to create your own low-level commands... that's quite different!
If you're curious about how programming languages work at a fundamental level, exploring books on compiler construction can be really enlightening. They often clarify how languages operate under the hood, and you'll see the various hierarchies of abstraction that exist between your code and the CPU's operations.
Awesome suggestion! I’ll be sure to look into that.
I appreciate the recommendation! This subject is a bit complex but fascinating.
Correct! For Kotlin, it typically compiles to Java bytecode, which the JVM translates to machine code.