programming language

noun

UK /ˈprəʊ.ɡræm.ɪŋ ˌlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ/

US /ˈproʊ.ɡræm.ɪŋ ˌlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ/

A special set of words and rules that people use to tell a computer what to do.

She is learning a programming language so she can make her own video game.

SYNONYMS

coding language computer language scripting language machine language source language

RELATED WORDS

code programmer software compiler algorithm

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A formal system of instructions used to control machines or software.

Engineers chose a programming language that works well with robots.

3. The syntax and vocabulary shared by developers of a particular platform.

This app is written in a programming language made for phones.

4. A medium through which algorithms are expressed for a computer to execute.

The class teaches how a programming language turns ideas into running programs.