Which statement correctly describes the relationship between source code and object code?

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between source code and object code?

• A. Source code is translated into object code by the compiler.
• B. Object code is translated into source code by the compiler.
• C. Source code is a running program.
• D. Object code is human readable.

Answer: (A)

Source code is translated into object code by the compiler. The source code, written in a high‑level language, is human-readable and tells the computer what to do. The compiler reads that code and produces object code, which contains the machine instructions that the hardware can execute. This transformation is what turns written ideas into a runnable program, and often the object code is then linked with libraries to form an executable. Source code isn’t run directly by the machine; it must be converted to object code (or interpreted) to be executed. Object code is not typically human readable; it’s usually binary machine instructions, with human-friendly views like assembly available only as a separate representation for debugging.

Source code is translated into object code by the compiler. The source code, written in a high‑level language, is human-readable and tells the computer what to do. The compiler reads that code and produces object code, which contains the machine instructions that the hardware can execute. This transformation is what turns written ideas into a runnable program, and often the object code is then linked with libraries to form an executable. Source code isn’t run directly by the machine; it must be converted to object code (or interpreted) to be executed. Object code is not typically human readable; it’s usually binary machine instructions, with human-friendly views like assembly available only as a separate representation for debugging.