Which term best describes programming languages like C++ or Java?

Programming languages like C++ or Java are best described as high-level languages because they are designed to be user-friendly and are more abstracted from the hardware than low-level languages. High-level languages allow developers to write instructions in a syntax that is closer to human language, which makes them easier to read, write, and maintain. They enable complex programming tasks to be performed with a greater level of simplicity and efficiency compared to lower-level languages.

These languages also provide features such as object-oriented programming, which allows for better structure and organization of code, facilitating large-scale software development. High-level languages are generally compiled or interpreted into machine code that the computer's hardware can execute efficiently while still providing a programming environment that enhances productivity and reduces the chance of error.

Other terms listed, like low-level language, refer to languages that are closer to machine code and are more complex for humans to understand. Machine language specifically pertains to the binary code that the computer's processor directly executes, which is not typically written by developers. Scripting languages are often used for automating tasks or executing code within a specific environment, typically interpreted at runtime rather than compiled, and while they are high-level, they are commonly distinguished from general-purpose programming languages like C++ or Java.