🚀 go-pugleaf

I am looking for referance material on the history and trends in 
programming languages for a school research project.  Basicly I 
am interested in the development of "C" and "C++" type languages 
from Algol and earlier languages and then a review of the trends 
in new language techniques.  

From what I've seen, Programming languages are trying to move in 
the direction of standard applications; easier interface, 
increased functionallity, and greater usability.  In fact, some 
of the corporate propaganda would have one believe that any 
"corporate manager" can use a language to program any number of 
useful applications.

Have programming languages developed to the point that 
"non-professionals" can begin to write useful code?  If not, is 
this functionality on the horrizon?  

Any comments or useful referances would be greatly appreciated.  
you may respond here or to GBEAULIE @ NOVA.UMUC.EDU.  Thanks in 
advance.