Name an example of a low-level programming language.

Assembly language is considered a low-level programming language because it is closely related to machine code, which is the native code that a computer's processor understands. Each assembly language instruction corresponds to a specific machine code instruction, allowing for direct manipulation of hardware and memory. This level of control enables programmers to write performance-critical code that can be optimized for speed and efficiency, crucial in systems programming, embedded systems, and performance-sensitive applications.

In contrast, the other languages listed—Python, Java, and Ruby—are high-level programming languages. They provide abstraction from the hardware and typically include features such as garbage collection, complex data types, and built-in libraries, which make them easier to read, write, and maintain. These high-level features enhance productivity and simplify complex tasks but also abstract away detailed control over the hardware, which is characteristic of low-level programming.