What is a programming language?

A programming language is defined as a set of rules and syntax used to instruct a computer to perform tasks. This definition captures the essence of programming languages, which are formal languages designed to communicate instructions to a computer. Each programming language has its own syntax and semantics, allowing programmers to write code that tells the computer what operations to perform, including calculations, data manipulation, and control flow.

The rules of a programming language include its grammar and how different commands are structured, enabling developers to create programs that the computer can understand. By following these rules, programmers can develop software applications, games, algorithms, and more, effectively guiding the computer's behavior to achieve specific outcomes.

In contrast to other options, such as hardware instruction sets or firmware, which deal with lower-level operations or system management, a programming language specifically focuses on high-level abstractions that make it easier for humans to express algorithms and functionalities in a way that is both readable and maintainable. This distinction is key to understanding why the definition provided aligns accurately with the true nature of programming languages.