High-Level Language

[Luis Fok]

A high-level language is a programming language designed to simplify computer programming. It is high-level since it is several steps removed from the actual code run on a computers processor. High-level source code contains easy-to-read syntax that is later converted into a low-level language, which can be recognized and run by a specific CPU.
Most common programming languages are considered high-level languages. Examples include:
Each of these languages use different syntax. Some are designed for writing desktop software programs, while others are best-suited for web development. But they all are considered high-level since they must be processed by a compiler or interpreter before the code is executed.
Source code written in languages like C and C# must be compiled into machine code in order to run. The compilation process converts the human-readble syntax of the high-level language into low-level code for a specific processor. Source code written in scripting languages like Perl and PHP can be run through an interpreter, which converts the high-level code into a low-level language on-the-fly.
Example of PHP source code

[Michiko]

a language for writing computer programs that looks more like human language than computer language and is therefore easier to understand