Programming languages: Which option represents a non-standard, incorrect spelling/variant of a well-known computing language name?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: PL/1

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Several classic languages have precise names and spellings. Using the wrong character can change meaning or indicate a non-standard, unofficial variant. This question targets a common confusion between a digit and a letter in a language name.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We compare options against established, standardized language names.
  • We look for a non-standard version or incorrect form.


Concept / Approach:

IBM’s language is officially named PL/I (Programming Language One), where the final character is the uppercase letter 'I', not the digit '1'. Writing 'PL/1' with the numeral 1 is a widespread but non-standard misprint and therefore represents a non-standard version of the name.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Check each option against standardized names: APL and PROLOG are correctly spelled standard languages.Identify the misspelled language variant: PL/1 (should be PL/I).


Verification / Alternative check:

IBM documentation, standard texts, and compilers uniformly use PL/I. The roman numeral I denotes “one.”


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • APL: A Programming Language—standard name.
  • PROLOG: logic programming language—standard name.
  • ARMY: not a recognized mainstream language name in this context; however, the specific target of 'non-standard version' is the incorrect spelling of PL/I.
  • None of the above: incorrect because PL/1 is indeed a non-standard spelling.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Overlooking typographical details (letter I vs. numeral 1) that change correctness.


Final Answer:

PL/1.

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