What is the difference between first generation language and second generation language?
Answers
There are normally said to be 5 generations of digital computers, although the first four are defined by miniaturization while the 5th is defined by an application (AI) and a novel approach (quantum computing).
By definition, the only difference between the first and second generation was the switch from tube or relay computers to transistors. Other factors were changing, but they overlapped the two generations, rather than belonging to a specific one.
Within one generation, other technologies, such as input-output, storage, and memory devices varied widely and many of these devices originated in the 1st generation and used in both, such as ROM, core memory, and disc drives.
For example, the first ENIAC[1] was programmed via patch cords, had no stored program memory or external storage. One of the last 1st generation computers The IBM 305[2] had disc drives and used punch cards.
The majority of 2nd generation computers, by model, were mainframes. While 2nd generation minicomputers, such as the DEC PDP 1[3] were available, there were few models. Mainframes exist in all 5 generations, minicomputers from the 1st.