third generation language

language (3GL, "high level language") A language designed

to be easier for a human to understand, including things like

named variables. A fragment might be

let c = c + 2 * d

Fortran, ALGOL and COBOL are early examples of this sort of

language. Most "modern" languages (BASIC, C, C++) are

third generation. Most 3GLs support structured programming.

See also second generation language, fourth generationlanguage.

(1996-05-30)