What is a high-level programming language?

A high-level programming language is characterized by its abstraction from the details of the computer's hardware. It is designed to be more understandable and closer to natural language, which makes it more user-friendly and easier for programmers to write and maintain code. This level of abstraction allows developers to focus on the logic and functionality of their programs rather than the intricacies of the underlying hardware or machine code.

High-level languages often provide features such as built-in data types, control structures (like loops and conditionals), and libraries that facilitate complex task execution without requiring in-depth knowledge of the computer's architecture. Because of this abstraction, high-level languages can be used across various hardware platforms with minimal modification, enhancing portability and productivity for programmers.

In contrast, other choices describe languages that do not fit the definition of high-level programming languages. Some are focused on specific tasks or are closer to hardware-level programming. This distinction is essential in understanding the landscape of programming languages and their appropriate applications.