---
title: "Define programming language"
subject: "Computer Programming"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_1/computer_programming:define-programming-language"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_1/computer_programming/define-programming-language
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Define programming language

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

- Asked in: 2074 Chaitra, 2 marks; 2073 Shrawan, 1 marks; 2071 Chaitra, 1 marks (asked 3 times)
- Video: [Introduction to programming and programming languages: C Programming Tutorial 01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWliApDc61w) — mycodeschool
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_1/computer_programming/define-programming-language
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_1/computer_programming/chapter-1

## Question

What is a programming language?

## Short answer

A programming language is a formal language with fixed symbols, keywords, and syntax rules used to write instructions for a computer. It has syntax and semantics, and programs are converted to machine code by a compiler, interpreter, or assembler.

## Answer

A **programming language** is a formal language, made of a fixed set of symbols, keywords and syntax rules, that is used to write instructions (programs) for a computer to perform a task.

- It acts as the medium between the programmer and the computer.
- Every language has *syntax* (rules of writing) and *semantics* (meaning of statements).
- Programs written in it are converted to machine language by a compiler, interpreter or assembler.
- Examples: C, C++, Java, Python, FORTRAN.

## Check yourself

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

1. A programming language is best defined as
   A. a formal language of symbols, keywords and syntax rules used to write instructions for a computer
   B. a hardware device that executes binary code
   C. a program that only translates source code
   D. a natural language used to talk to users
   Answer: A. It is a formal language used to write programs that tell the computer what to do. (Key point: Definition)

2. In a programming language, semantics refers to
   A. the rules of writing statements
   B. the meaning of statements
   C. the translator used
   D. the speed of execution
   Answer: B. Syntax is the rules of writing; semantics is the meaning. (Key point: Syntax vs semantics)

3. Programs in a programming language are converted to machine language by
   A. the monitor
   B. the keyboard driver
   C. a compiler, interpreter or assembler
   D. a text editor
   Answer: C. A translator (compiler, interpreter or assembler) converts the program to machine language. (Key point: Translation)

## 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
- [Categories of programming languages](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fcomputer_programming%3Acategorise-languages) — Computer Programming, chapter 1

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