Which statement best defines a programming language as a formal constructed language designed to communicate instructions to a computer?

• A. Machine Language
• B. Java
• C. Programming Language
• D. Pseudocode

Answer: (C)

A programming language is a formal, constructed medium with rules that let humans express instructions that a computer can act upon. It provides a defined syntax and semantics and is designed to be translated by a compiler or interpreter into machine code so the computer can execute the instructions. Among the options, this broad term best matches the definition.

Machine language is the actual binary instructions the CPU executes, not a higher-level construct with readable syntax. Java is a specific programming language, but the statement describes the general concept, not a particular language. Pseudocode is a human-readable outline used for planning algorithms and is not intended to be executed directly by a computer.