Q: Which of the following is NOT considered a high-level programming language?  

Assembly language is considered a low-level programming language, as it operates close to machine code, the fundamental code language of computers. Unlike high-level languages like Python, JavaScript, and Java, which use human-readable syntax, assembly language consists of mnemonic codes and symbols that directly correspond to machine instructions. High-level programming languages are easier for developers to read, write, and understand, as they use more abstract syntax and structures. In contrast, assembly requires a detailed understanding of the underlying hardware architecture, making it more complex to use. Assembly is often used in system programming for performance-critical applications, where direct hardware control is necessary, while high-level languages are preferred for application development because of their flexibility, readability, and broader applicability.