Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fully compiled or assembled program ready to be loaded into the computer: A "target program" is the final, executable version of a software program. It is the output produced after the source code (the human-readable instructions) has been processed by a compiler or assembler. This resulting file is in a form that the computer's processor can directly understand and execute.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • After the compilation process, the developer tested the target program for any runtime errors.
  • The linker combines object files to create the final target program.
  • Ensure the target program is compatible with the operating system before distribution.

Advanced Usage

• "to generate a target program": to produce the final executable file from source code.
  • The build system is configured to generate the target program for multiple platforms.

Variants and Related Words

• Object code (n): The intermediate machine-readable code produced by a compiler or assembler, which is then linked to form the target program.
• Executable (n): A file containing a program that a computer can run; often used synonymously with "target program."
• Source program (n): The original program written in a high-level programming language, which is compiled to create the target program.

Synonyms

• Executable program: A program in a form that can be run by a computer.
• Binary: A file containing executable code (often used in contrast to source code).

Related Phrases

• Target machine (n): The specific computer or processor architecture for which a target program is compiled.
  • The compiler must be configured for the correct target machine.

Noun

1. a fully compiled or assembled program ready to be loaded into the computer