Computer Languages

There are а large number of computer languages available for use by programmers. Each language is designed for use in solving particular types of problem and therefore has particular strengths and weaknesses. А systems analyst has to decide which language is most appropriate in each situation. Languages such as С++ are particularly suitable for writing systems programs (programs that are used to control the basic functions of а computer system e.g. operating system programs). Languages such as Visual Basic and Pascal are easy to use and are particularly suitable for learning how to program. FORTRAN is designed for solving engineering problems, COBOL for writing business programs, Аdа for military purposes, Prolog and LISP for working in artificial intelligence (an area of computing concerned with developing computer programs that perform tasks that can normally only be done using human intelligence). Logo is particularly suited for use by young children. Some languages such as HTML and XML are markup languages rather than programming languages i.e..they use tag codes (labels) for marking text for use in programs such as Web browsers. Languages such as Java and Perl have а number of specialised uses including adding features to Internet connections and webpages (hyperlinked documents).

Converting to new computer systems can be done in different ways. Each strategy has its advantages and disadvantages. These include:

a) direct implementation where the old system is simply removed and the new system installed. 1n this strategy only one system is used at any one time but there is no fall back (alternative system that can be used if problems occur in the main system) if the new system does not operate properly.

b) parallelimplementation where the old and the new systems are both used at the same time until the users are satisfied that the new system is working properly.

с) phased implementation where the old system is gradually replaced by the new system, one part atа time.

d) pilot implementation where the new system is tried out in one section of the company to make sure that it works as required.