Object code is a form of code designed for comprehension by computers and various devices. It is produced through the compilation or translation process from a program's initial source code. This altered iteration of the code is optimized for immediate execution by computer systems.
You use source code, a language that can be read by humans, to develop computer programs. Nevertheless, computers do not interpret this source code directly. Instead, the original code needs to be converted into a format that computers can comprehend and execute. This conversion process is carried out by a specialized software tool called a compiler or translator.
The outcome of this transformation yields the object code, which is structured in a manner that allows the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the processor in the computer to interpret and comprehend it. The object code consists of a sequence of commands that detail to the CPU the specific actions or tasks to execute.
Object code is commonly saved in a file referred to as an object file. Various formats of object files include Common Object File Format (COFF), COM files, and ".exe" files. These files hold the set of instructions that are readable by the computer's processor.
In contrast to source code, object code is not as easily interpretable for humans. It is composed in a binary format, comprising of ones and zeros, which is not immediately legible as regular text. While source code is readable and comprehensible to us, object code is primarily designed for the computer to process rather than for human understanding.
What is Source Code?
The fundamental blueprint of a computer program is its source code. It represents a software application crafted by developers using a language that humans can understand, like Python, Java, or C++.
The instructions designed to guide a robot on what tasks to perform and how to execute them resemble source code. This source code is essentially the written form of computer instructions crafted by programmers using a programming language that consists of words, numbers, and specific commands.
The essence lies within the source code. It encompasses the guidelines, equations, and directives that define the functionality of the software. Programmers craft this code to tackle specific challenges or accomplish particular objectives. It's akin to devising an elaborate blueprint or strategy for the robot.
The adaptability of source code enables customization and adjustments. Programmers have the freedom to modify the source code to introduce new functionalities, fix errors, or enhance the program's efficiency, much like how you can edit and adjust the robot's commands to perform different tasks.
With assistance from a text editor or an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), source code is typically generated in plain text form. It consists of lines of code that encompass declarations, variables, functions, and other components essential for the program's logic.
While source code is comprehensible to humans, it cannot be executed directly by computers. It must undergo a process of translation into object code, a machine-readable format that the computer's processor is able to execute.
Head-to-head comparison Object code and Source code:
Here is a side-by-side comparison table detailing the distinctions between object code and source code in a more user-friendly layout:
| Object Code | Source Code |
|---|---|
| Machine-readable format | Human-readable format |
| Generated from source code after compilation or translation | The original version of the program |
| Consists of instructions in a format that computers can directly execute | Consists of instructions written in a programming language that humans can understand |
| Contains binary code (0sand1s) | Written in plain text format using words, numbers, and special commands |
| Not easily understandable by humans | Readable and comprehensible by humans |
| Stored in object files, such asCOFF, COM, or .exe files | Stored in source code files with extensions like.py, .java, or .cpp |
| Result of the transformation process from source code to machine code | The starting point for developing and modifying a program |
| Requires an interpreter or linker to convert it into executable code | Does not require any additional processing to be understood |
| Used for execution and running of the program | Used for understanding, modifying, and maintaining the program |
This table provides a simplified comparison between object code and source code, highlighting the key differences in their formats, understandability, generation processes, storage, and usage.
Main Differences between Source code and Object code
The following are some major differences between source code and object code:
- Readability: Source code is like a book written in a language that humans can understand. It is readable and makes sense to programmers. On the other hand, object code is like a coded message that is only understood by computers. It is not something humans can easily read or understand.
- Editability: Source code is like a document that you can freely edit and modify. Programmers can make changes add new features, or fix bugs by working with the source code. However, object code is like a fixed result that comes from the source code. Once the source code is transformed into object code, it is challenging to change it directly.
- Portability: Source code is like a versatile recipe that can be adapted for different kitchens or cooking methods. Programmers can compile or translate the source code for different platforms or computer architectures, allowing it to run on various systems. In contrast, object code is more specific. It's like a dish that's prepared and ready to serve for a particular type of kitchen or cooking method. It's tied to a specific platform or architecture, limiting its portability.
- Size: Source code is typically larger compared to object code. It contains additional information like comments, white spaces , and meaningful variable names that make it easier for humans to understand. However, Object code is optimized for execution. It removes unnecessary details and is in a compact binary format, resulting in smaller file sizes.
- Debugging: Debugging source code is like solving a puzzle with clear instructions. Programmers can easily trace through the code, understand what's happening, and identify and fix issues. On the other hand, debugging object code requires specialized tools and techniques. It's like trying to solve a puzzle with a complex cipher where the underlying meaning is not readily visible.
- Security: Source code is vulnerable to unauthorized access and theft, as it's in a human-readable format. It's like having a recipe book that someone could copy or steal. On the other hand, object code is more secure because it is written in a binary format. It's like a secret code that is difficult for unauthorized individuals to understand or reverse-engineer.