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A '''programming language''', sometimes called a '''scripting language'', is an artificial [[language]] used mainly for giving instructions to [[computer]]s; a secondary use is for the precise specification of [[algorithm]]s. A group of instructions for a particular purpose is known as a [[computer program]].   

A '''programming language''', sometimes called a '''scripting language''', is an artificial [[language]] used mainly for giving instructions to [[computer]]s; a secondary use is for the precise specification of [[algorithm]]s. A group of instructions for a particular purpose is known as a [[computer program]].   

When compared with human languages (e.g. English, French, Spanish, etc.), programming languages are very much smaller, much simpler, and are also more precise.  Most programming languages consist of a mixture of English words and mathematical notation; very few programming languages have a base vocabulary exceeding 60 words, although they may also have utility libraries with hundreds of entries which provide optional extra functionality.  

When compared with human languages (e.g. English, French, Spanish, etc.), programming languages are very much smaller, much simpler, and are also more precise.  Most programming languages consist of a mixture of English words and mathematical notation; very few programming languages have a base vocabulary exceeding 60 words, although they may also have utility libraries with hundreds of entries which provide optional extra functionality.