Excerpts from book:

Aim
After working through this module you should be familiar with the variety and structure of the major computer languages, and their evolution. You should also be able to place any given language in the context of other languages by its characteristics, and to define the stages involved in systematically acquiring a ‘new’ language.

Learning objectives
After working through this module you should be able to:
1. Understand the reasons for the proliferation of computer languages.
2. Describe the evolution of computer languages.
3. Describe the typology of computer languages.
4. Place a specific language within the language typology.
5. Select the most appropriate language for a given task.
6. Explain the circumstances under which it is necessary to learn a new language.
7. Describe the development process in any particular computer language.
8. Define the steps that can be taken to systematise the language acquisition process.