1. 1st generation : Machine language : machine-dependent language 2. 2nd generation : Assembler language, using mnemonics to present the instructions to be translated later into machine language by an assembly program. 3. 3rd generation : Procedural languages, also known as high-level languages (HLL), such as Pascal, FORTRAN, Algol, COBOL, PL/I, Basic, and C. The coded program, called a source program, has to be translated through a compilation step. 4. 4th generation, also known as 4GL : Non-procedural languages, used for predefined functions in applications for databases, report generators, queries, such as RPG, CSP, QMF. 5. Visual Programming languages that use a mouse and icons, such as VisualBasic and VisualC++. 6. HyperText Markup Language, used for writing of World Wide Web documents. 7. Object-oriented language, OO technology, such as Smalltalk, Java, and C++. 8. Other languages, for example 3D applications. ref : intro to new mainframe book