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A von Neumann language in computing is a programming language that is a high-level abstract isomorphic copy of a von Neumann architecture.[1] As of 2009[update], most current programming languages fit into this description[citation needed], likely as a consequence of the extensive domination of the von Neumann computer architecture during the past 50 years.
The differences between Fortran, C, and even Java, although considerable, are ultimately constrained by all three being based on the programming style of the von Neumann computer.[citation needed] If, for example, Java objects were all executed in parallel with asynchronous message passing and attribute-based declarative addressing, then Java would not be in the group.
The isomorphism between von Neumann programming languages and architectures is in the following manner:
- program variables ↔ computer storage cells
- control statements ↔ computer test-and-jump instructions
- assignment statements ↔ fetching, storing instructions
- expressions ↔ memory reference and arithmetic instructions.
- ^ Backus, John (1 August 1978). "Can programming be liberated from the von Neumann style? a functional style and its algebra of programs". Communications of the ACM. 21 (8). Association for Computing Machinery: 613–641. doi:10.1145/359576.359579. Retrieved 15 July 2023.