In computer languages, what is the lowest-level form of programming language used by the CPU directly without translation?

Introduction / Context:
Programming languages span from human-friendly high-level constructs to the raw instructions a processor executes. The question asks for the lowest-level form that the CPU can use directly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• High-level languages (e.g., FORTRAN, BASIC, COBOL) require translation.
• CPUs execute binary opcodes defined by the instruction set architecture (ISA).
• Assemblers map mnemonics to opcodes; compilers translate HLL into machine code.

Concept / Approach:
Machine language consists of binary instruction words (and data) that the CPU fetches and executes. It is architecture-specific (e.g., x86-64, ARM). While programmers rarely write raw binary, it is the definitive form consumed by hardware, either produced by compilers or assemblers.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify the only form that requires no further translation for the CPU. 2) Recognize that FORTRAN/BASIC/COBOL are high-level and must be compiled or interpreted. 3) Select “Machine language.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Architecture manuals define encodings for machine instructions; linkers and loaders place these into memory for execution, confirming the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
FORTRAN, BASIC, COBOL: not directly executable by hardware; require translation first. “None” is invalid.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating assembly language with machine language; assembly is symbolic and must be assembled into machine code before execution.

Final Answer:
Machine language