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ALGOL, short for "algorithmic language," is a computer programming language developed by an international committee between 1958 and 1960. It was designed for publishing algorithms and performing computations, and it introduced key concepts like recursive subprograms and block structure, which allow programs to be built from smaller, self-contained components.12

ALGOL also contributed the Backus–Naur Form (BNF), a standard notation for describing the syntax of programming languages. While not a commercial success itself, ALGOL was widely used in Europe and influenced many subsequent programming languages, including Pascal. It is considered one of the first high-level languages.12

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