Assembly language is an example of what type of programming language?

Assembly language is characterized as a low-level programming language because it is closely related to the machine code specific to a computer's architecture. Unlike high-level programming languages, which are designed to be more user-friendly and abstract from hardware details (such as Python, Java, or C++), assembly language provides minimal abstraction from a computer's instruction set.

In low-level programming, instructions are typically represented in a symbolic form that corresponds directly to machine code instructions. This proximity to hardware allows programmers to write code that efficiently interacts with the computer's CPU and memory, optimizing performance for tasks that require precise control over hardware resources.

In contrast, high-level programming languages provide a significant level of abstraction, making them easier to read and write but often resulting in less efficient execution. Scripting languages, which fall under the high-level category, are generally used for automating tasks and are interpreted rather than compiled. Visual programming languages use a graphical interface to create programs, focusing more on the representation rather than low-level hardware interaction. Thus, assembly language fits firmly within the low-level programming category due to its direct engagement with the computer's hardware.