What does "low-level language" refer to?

Low-level language refers to a programming language that operates very close to machine code, which is the binary code executed directly by a computer's hardware. This type of language provides little to no abstraction from a computer’s instruction set architecture, allowing for fine-grained control over hardware resources, such as memory management and CPU instructions.

This characteristic makes low-level languages, such as assembly language, highly efficient for tasks that require optimized performance. Unlike high-level languages that often incorporate many abstractions—like simplified instructions and built-in functions—low-level languages require the programmer to manage tasks that would typically be handled by the compiler or interpreter in a high-level context.

In contrast, options referencing high-level abstractions, web development specificity, or reliance on high-level libraries do not accurately capture the essence of a low-level language, which is fundamentally defined by its closeness to machine code and lack of abstraction.