---
title: "Categories of programming languages"
subject: "Computer Programming"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_1/computer_programming:categorise-languages"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_1/computer_programming/categorise-languages
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Categories of programming languages

Computer Programming · Chapter 1: Overview of computer software & programming languages

- Asked in: 2071 Shrawan, 4 marks
- Video: [Types of Programming Languages](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYjGXzktatA) — Simply Coding
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_1/computer_programming/categorise-languages
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_1/computer_programming/chapter-1

## Question

Categorise programming languages on the basis of their uses and applications. Among them which programming language is C programming?

## Short answer

Languages can be categorised by use: scientific (FORTRAN), business (COBOL), system (C, Assembly), AI (LISP), scripting (Python), database (SQL), and general-purpose (C++). C is a general-purpose, middle-level language primarily used for system programming.

## Answer

Programming languages can be categorised by their use and application area:

| Category | Used for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific/engineering | Numerical and mathematical calculation | FORTRAN, MATLAB |
| Business/commercial | Data processing, payroll, accounts | COBOL |
| System programming | Operating systems, compilers, drivers | C, Assembly |
| Artificial intelligence | Logic and reasoning | LISP, Prolog |
| Web and scripting | Web pages and automation | HTML, JavaScript, PHP, Python |
| Database | Querying and managing data | SQL |
| General purpose / application | Wide range of software | C++, Java, C# |
| Education | Teaching programming | BASIC, Pascal |

**C** is a general-purpose, structured, high-level language that is also called a *middle-level language*, because it combines high-level features (functions, structured statements) with low-level access (pointers, bitwise operators). It is mostly used for **system programming** (UNIX and Linux were written in C) and also for application and embedded software.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Which language suits business and commercial data processing?
   A. FORTRAN
   B. Prolog
   C. COBOL
   D. SQL
   Answer: C. COBOL is used for payroll and accounts. (Key point: Business category)

2. LISP and Prolog fall in which category?
   A. Database
   B. Education
   C. Scientific
   D. Artificial intelligence
   Answer: D. They handle logic and reasoning. (Key point: AI category)

3. C is called a middle-level language because it
   A. combines high-level features with low-level access like pointers and bitwise operators
   B. is only machine language
   C. has no functions
   D. cannot access memory
   Answer: A. It mixes both levels. (Key point: Why middle-level)

4. C is mostly used for
   A. database querying only
   B. system programming such as UNIX and Linux
   C. web page markup
   D. teaching only
   Answer: B. UNIX and Linux were written in C. (Key point: C usage)

## Related in Computer Programming

- [High level languages and natural language](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fcomputer_programming%3Ahll-similar-natural-language) — Computer Programming, chapter 1
- [Generations of programming languages](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fcomputer_programming%3Agenerations-programming-languages) — Computer Programming, chapter 1, asked 4×
- [Define programming language](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fcomputer_programming%3Adefine-programming-language) — Computer Programming, chapter 1, asked 3×
- [High level languages; C versus FORTRAN](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fcomputer_programming%3Ahll-types-c-vs-fortran) — Computer Programming, chapter 1
- [High level vs low level languages](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fcomputer_programming%3Ahigh-low-level-languages) — Computer Programming, chapter 1, asked 2×

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- [Libraries, system software, languages, OO](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fmultimedia_system%3Alibraries-system-software-languages-oo) — Multimedia System, chapter 7
- [8086 assembly language operators](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fmicroprocessor%3A8086-operators) — Microprocessor, chapter 3, asked 3×