Early first-generation computers were given instructions coded in the zeros and the binary number system. Preparing the program or instructions was extremely tedious, and errors were common. symbolic languages were developed to overcome this difficulty. Symbolic languages use mnemonic symbols to represent instructions. These symbols were easier for people to use than the zeros and one of binary code. The computer had to translate each symbolic language into machine special language. A set of language-translator programs was developed to complete this job. Grace Murray Hopper, Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy, worked with a team that developed the first language-translator program.