Final answer:
Software developers prefer high-level languages because they offer an English-like syntax, which simplifies the coding process and allows for efficient program development, akin to hiring a painter for their expertise in painting. The correct answer is option c It uses a more English-like syntax.
Step-by-step explanation:
Software developers prefer to use high-level languages to author programs primarily because it uses a more English-like syntax, making it easier to understand, write, and maintain code. High-level languages abstract the complexity of the hardware, allowing developers to focus on the logic and functionality of their programs without having to manage the details of the machine's operation.
For example, when a computer systems engineer decides to paint his house, he might opt to hire a professional painter. The reason for this is specialization; the painter has the skills, experience, and tools to do a quality job efficiently.
Similarly, high-level programming languages provide developers with the tools to write software efficiently without needing to manage the low-level details, such as memory management and processor instructions, which are handled by the language's compiler or interpreter.