What characterizes a high-level programming language?

A high-level programming language is characterized by its use of syntax and vocabulary that closely resembles human languages, making it more intuitive and easier for programmers to understand and use. This allows developers to focus more on problem-solving and algorithm development rather than the complexities of machine code or hardware specifics.

High-level languages abstract away the intricate details of the computer's hardware and provide constructs that are more aligned with logical operations, data structures, and control flows found in everyday reasoning. This characteristic of being English-like contributes to rapid development and maintenance of code, making programming more accessible to a wider audience, including those who may not have extensive technical backgrounds.

The other options highlight features that are characteristics of lower-level programming languages or concepts, which do not apply to high-level languages. While binary code (as in the first choice) is essential for machine-level programming, it is not a defining trait of high-level languages. The second choice, stating that high-level languages are difficult for humans to read, contradicts their fundamental design purpose. Lastly, the fourth option mentions running directly on hardware, which applies more to low-level programming languages that interface closely with the computer's architecture.