Human natural languages, such as Spanish, English, or Mandarin, are commonly known as “ordinary languages”. However, in the mid-20th century, a new category of languages emerged known as “programming languages”, leading many people to contemplate the question: What is the difference between a programming language and a natural (everyday) language?

In short, there are languages that don’t fall under the category of natural languages. These include manufactured languages, artificial languages, machine languages, and the language of formal logic.

According to the concept of universal grammar, every natural language is guided by underlying principles that shape the development of its unique grammar and establish boundaries.

Programming languages were specifically designed to communicate with machines and operating systems, such as iOS, and enable users to obtain desired outputs. As computers proliferated, acquiring proficiency in programming languages became crucial to harness the computational power of these machines and get the best out of them.

If you have an interest in computer programming, you might have questioned the distinction between programming languages and natural languages.

A programming language comprises a series of commands that facilitate the functioning of computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices.

There are numerous types of programming languages, each serving different philosophies and objectives based on specific devices or programs.

Difference Between a Programming Language and Natural Language

Human beings communicate through natural languages, while machines comprehend programming languages.

Despite their distinct purposes, these two forms of communication exhibit noteworthy parallels, including the distinction between syntax and semantics and a fundamental structure for conveying ideas, expressions, and instructions.

Nonetheless, there are discernible differences between them. Natural languages possess a certain degree of ambiguity.

The remarkable linguistic abilities of humans enable them to elucidate the intended meaning behind an expression. Through contextual cues, the inherent redundancy in human languages aids in resolving potential ambiguities.

On the other hand, programming languages adhere to specific rules and exhibit less tolerance. Computers demand precise instructions, leaving no room for interpretation.

Consequently, programming languages minimize redundancy to eliminate ambiguity and ensure the accurate execution of commands, which makes them very precise and critical for app development. 

Types of Programming Languages

Computer scientists categorize these languages into low-level and high-level languages. While they may not possess the complexities of human languages, high-level languages do exhibit greater complexity compared to their low-level counterparts.

However, one advantage of high-level languages is their enhanced readability, which isn’t found in low-level languages that require specialized knowledge of computer architecture.

Low-Level Programming Languages

Low-level languages encompass assembly and machine languages. Assembly language consists of a list of fundamental instructions, making it considerably more challenging to decipher when compared to high-level languages.

In other terms, these languages operate just one level above machine code, utilizing raw symbols and mathematical expressions that are easily converted into binary strings of 1s and 0s. Regrettably, assembly language fails to provide the structural capabilities necessary for handling complex information.

High-Level Programming Languages

Most programmers typically write their code in a high-level language, which is then compiled into a machine-readable format.

These languages are intentionally designed to be easily comprehensible. They empower programmers to write source code using logical and meaningful words and symbols. This encompasses a wide spectrum of languages, such as C++, C#, and Java.

Types of Natural (Every-Day) Languages

Effective communication lies at the core of human interaction, fostering strong interpersonal relationships and facilitating adaptation to the environment.

Natural languages are not simpler than programming languages in terms of computation and they still have a computation complexity, at least in some studies.

Human language, whether spoken or written, serves a clear purpose: to facilitate communication among people and allow them to express their needs and ideas.

Given the vast spectrum of messages that can be conveyed, various types of language exist, each suited for specific contexts.

With respect to the mode of transmission, languages can be classified into the following categories:

• Oral language or spoken language: Oral communication enables the expression of feelings, ideas, and thoughts. These sounds come together to form words, and words, in turn, construct sentences. To ensure coherence and relevance, oral language must be mindful of the context in which it’s used.
• Written language: Consisting of the graphical representation of oral expressions, written language serves as the written counterpart to spoken language. It shares an equivalence with oral language but assumes a written form. To maintain coherence, written language must adhere to specific organizational principles and convey meaning effectively.
• Iconic language: This form of communication relies on non-verbal symbols. The vocabulary comprises these symbols, while their arrangement constitutes the grammar of the iconic language. Through these symbols, meaning is conveyed without the use of verbal expressions.
• Nonverbal language: Beyond verbal and written forms, nonverbal language encompasses various means of communication that don’t rely on words. Facial expressions, for instance, constitute a distinct variant of nonverbal language, operating unconsciously and conveying messages through gestures, facial movements, and body postures.

The Bottom Line

Programming languages and natural languages are distinct in terms of goals, features, and challenges. However, the process of learning to program bears resemblances to acquiring a new language.

At Denarjes, we recognize the importance of learning both natural languages and programming languages, and for this purpose, we encourage our programmers to enhance their communication skills and focus on learning the verbal and nonverbal means of communication.

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