Definition

Noun: A computer program written in a human-readable programming language (source code) that must be translated by a compiler or interpreter into machine language (object code) before it can be executed by a computer.

Usage

A source program is the original, editable code created by a programmer. It is the fundamental input for a compiler, assembler, or interpreter. The term is used to distinguish the human-written code from the resulting machine code or executable file.

Examples

• The developer saved the source program in a file with a extension.
• Before you can run the software, the source program must be compiled.
• The team maintains a library of source programs for all their applications.
• Debugging is typically done at the level of the source program, not the machine code.

Advanced Usage

• "to write a source program": The act of creating the original code in a high-level language.
  • She learned to write a source program in Python.
• "source program maintenance": The ongoing process of updating and correcting the original code files.
  • Source program maintenance is crucial for long-term software health.

Variants and Related Words

• Source code (n): Often used synonymously with , referring specifically to the text of the program.
  • The company decided to open its source code to the public.
• Object program / Object code (n): The output after a source program is translated into machine language.
  • The compiler generates an object program from the source program.

Synonyms

• Source code
• Original code

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Compile: To translate a source program into an executable program.
  • You need to compile the source program first.
• Interpret: To execute a source program by translating and performing its instructions line-by-line.
  • Some languages, like JavaScript, are interpreted rather than compiled.

Noun

1. a program written in a language from which statements are translated into machine language