Difference between revisions of "Source code"

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'''Source code''' is the human-readable text written by [[Computer programmer|computer programmers]] using a [[Programming language|programming language]]. It contains the instructions and definitions for a [[Computer program|computer program]]. Source code is designed to be easily understood and modified by humans, serving as the original form of software before it is translated into a format that a [[Computer|computer]] can execute.
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= Source Code =
  
It is the foundational element of software development and is essential for understanding, maintaining, and evolving software applications.
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A source code is any collection of computer instructions written in a human-readable programming language. It is the fundamental component of computer software that programmers create and modify. Source code is usually written by programmers using a text editor or an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and then translated into machine code (binary instructions) by a compiler or interpreter, which the computer's processor can execute.
  
== Overview and Purpose ==
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== Purpose of Source Code ==
The primary purpose of source code is to allow programmers to express the logic and functionality of a software program in a way that is comprehensible to them. Programming languages provide structured syntax and concepts that enable developers to write complex instructions relatively clearly.
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The primary purposes of source code are:
  
Source code files are typically plain text files that can be viewed and edited using simple text editors or specialized Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). They represent the creative and intellectual work involved in building software.
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Human Readability: It allows programmers to understand, write, and modify software. Unlike machine code, which is a series of ones and zeros, source code uses keywords and structures that are comprehensible to humans.
  
== Source Code vs. Executable Code ==
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Software Development: It is the raw material from which all software applications are built. Programmers write source code to implement features, fix bugs, and improve performance.
It is crucial to distinguish source code from the form of the program that the computer's [[Central processing unit|CPU]] can actually run:
 
  
; Source Code
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Maintainability: Well-written and commented source code is easier to maintain, update, and debug over time, even by different programmers.
: - Human-readable text written in a [[Programming language]].
 
: - Cannot be directly executed by the CPU.
 
: - Must be translated.
 
: - Examples: .c files (C), .py files (Python), .java files (Java), .html files (HTML is technically markup, but often edited as source).
 
  
; Machine Code / Executable Code
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Portability: In many cases, source code can be compiled or interpreted for different computer architectures or operating systems, making the software portable.
: - Binary instructions (sequences of 0s and 1s) that the CPU can directly understand and execute.
 
: - Difficult or impossible for humans to read or write directly.
 
: - Produced from source code through a translation process.
 
: - Examples: .exe files (Windows), executable files without extensions (Linux/macOS), .dll or .so library files.
 
  
== How Source Code is Written ==
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Intellectual Property: Source code is often considered the intellectual property of a software developer or company.
Programmers write source code using various tools:
 
  
'''Text Editors:''' Simple programs for editing plain text files (e.g., Notepad, nano, Vim).
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== Common Elements of Source Code ==
'''Integrated Development Environments (IDEs):''' More sophisticated software suites that combine a text editor with features like syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging tools, and integration with compilers or interpreters.
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Source code typically consists of:
Source code is written following the rules (syntax and semantics) of a specific [[Programming language]], such as Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, etc. Different languages are suited for different types of tasks and development styles.
 
  
Here is a simple example of source code in Python, designed to print "Hello, World!" to the console:
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Keywords: Reserved words with special meanings in the programming language (e.g., if, else, while, function).
<syntaxhighlight lang="python">
 
print("Hello, World!")
 
</syntaxhighlight>
 
  
== The Translation Process ==
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Operators: Symbols that perform operations on values (e.g., +, -, *, /, =, ==).
Computers cannot directly execute human-readable source code. It must be translated into [[Machine code|machine code]] or an intermediate format. This translation is done by either a [[Compiler]] or an [[Interpreter (computing)|Interpreter]]:
 
  
; Compilation
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Variables: Named storage locations for data.
: A '''compiler''' reads the entire [[Source code]] of a program and translates it into [[Machine code|machine code]] or [[Object code|object code]] before the program is run. The result is typically an [[Executable code|executable file]] that can be run independently of the compiler. Compilation usually results in faster execution.
 
: - Languages often compiled: C, C++, Java (compiles to bytecode, then JIT-compiled), Go.
 
  
; Interpretation
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Functions/Methods: Blocks of code that perform a specific task, often reusable.
: An '''interpreter''' reads and executes the [[Source code]] line by line at runtime. The interpreter translates each line into machine code as it is needed. No separate [[Executable code|executable file]] is created. Interpretation is often more flexible for development and testing but can be slower than running compiled code.
 
: - Languages often interpreted: Python, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP.
 
  
Some languages use a combination of compilation and interpretation (like Java or C# which compile to bytecode that is then interpreted or JIT-compiled).
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Comments: Human-readable explanations within the code that are ignored by the compiler/interpreter. They help document the code.
  
== Importance of Source Code ==
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Data Structures: Ways to organize and store data (e.g., arrays, lists, objects).
Having access to the source code of a program is important for several reasons:
 
  
'''Understanding:''' Allows programmers to understand the logic, algorithms, and implementation details of the software.
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Control Structures: Statements that control the flow of execution (e.g., if/else statements, loops).
'''Modification and Customization:''' Enables developers to change the software's behavior, add new features, or adapt it to specific requirements.
 
'''Bug Fixing:''' Necessary to identify and correct errors (bugs) in the software.
 
'''Porting:''' Allows the software to be adapted to run on different [[Computer architecture|computer architectures]] or [[Operating system|operating systems]].
 
'''Education:''' Studying source code is a fundamental way to learn programming and [[Software engineering]].
 
'''Auditing:''' Enables security experts and users to audit the code for vulnerabilities or unintended functionality (key for [[Open-source software]]).
 
The availability of source code is the defining characteristic of [[Open-source software]], providing users with the freedom to inspect, modify, and share the software. In contrast, [[Proprietary software|proprietary software]] vendors typically distribute only the executable code, keeping the source code confidential.
 
  
== See also ==
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== Source Code and Open Source ==
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Source code is central to the concept of open-source software. In open-source projects, the source code is made publicly available, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute it. This fosters collaboration, transparency, and innovation within the software development community. Platforms like GitHub are widely used for hosting and managing open-source projects.
  
[[Compiler]]
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== [[Pulsed Media]] Software Stack and GitHub ==
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Pulsed Media, a provider of hosting and [[seedbox]] services, maintains a commitment to transparency and community involvement through its software development practices. While not all of Pulsed Media's operational software may be publicly available due to proprietary components or security considerations, the company actively leverages and contributes to open-source technologies.
  
[[Computer programmer]]
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Many components of [[Pulsed Media]]'s software stack, tools, and utilities that support their services are developed and managed on GitHub. GitHub is a popular web-based platform for version control using Git, enabling developers to collaborate on projects. By hosting parts of their software stack on GitHub, [[Pulsed Media]]:
  
[[Open-source software]]
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Facilitates internal development and version control.
  
[[GitHub]]
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Potentially allows external developers to review, contribute to, or integrate with certain aspects of their public-facing tools or utilities.
  
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Demonstrates a commitment to modern development practices and transparency within specific areas of their operation.
  
== External links ==
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This approach ensures that various aspects of their software, from system management tools to specific service integrations, are built using robust version control and, where applicable, benefit from community scrutiny and contribution.
  
[https://www.webopedia.com/definitions/source-code/ Webopedia: Source Code]
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== See Also ==
[https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatacenter/definition/source-code TechTarget: Source code]
 
[https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/difference-between-compiler-and-interpreter/ GeeksforGeeks: Difference between Compiler and Interpreter]
 
  
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*[[Programming language]]
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*[[GitHub]]
  
[[Category:Source code]]
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[[Category:Information]]
[[Category:Software engineering]]
 
[[Category:Computer programming]]
 
[[Category:Technical terms]]
 
[[Category:Software development]]
 
]]
 

Latest revision as of 10:56, 10 June 2025

Source Code

A source code is any collection of computer instructions written in a human-readable programming language. It is the fundamental component of computer software that programmers create and modify. Source code is usually written by programmers using a text editor or an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and then translated into machine code (binary instructions) by a compiler or interpreter, which the computer's processor can execute.

Purpose of Source Code

The primary purposes of source code are:

Human Readability: It allows programmers to understand, write, and modify software. Unlike machine code, which is a series of ones and zeros, source code uses keywords and structures that are comprehensible to humans.

Software Development: It is the raw material from which all software applications are built. Programmers write source code to implement features, fix bugs, and improve performance.

Maintainability: Well-written and commented source code is easier to maintain, update, and debug over time, even by different programmers.

Portability: In many cases, source code can be compiled or interpreted for different computer architectures or operating systems, making the software portable.

Intellectual Property: Source code is often considered the intellectual property of a software developer or company.

Common Elements of Source Code

Source code typically consists of:

Keywords: Reserved words with special meanings in the programming language (e.g., if, else, while, function).

Operators: Symbols that perform operations on values (e.g., +, -, *, /, =, ==).

Variables: Named storage locations for data.

Functions/Methods: Blocks of code that perform a specific task, often reusable.

Comments: Human-readable explanations within the code that are ignored by the compiler/interpreter. They help document the code.

Data Structures: Ways to organize and store data (e.g., arrays, lists, objects).

Control Structures: Statements that control the flow of execution (e.g., if/else statements, loops).

Source Code and Open Source

Source code is central to the concept of open-source software. In open-source projects, the source code is made publicly available, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute it. This fosters collaboration, transparency, and innovation within the software development community. Platforms like GitHub are widely used for hosting and managing open-source projects.

Pulsed Media Software Stack and GitHub

Pulsed Media, a provider of hosting and seedbox services, maintains a commitment to transparency and community involvement through its software development practices. While not all of Pulsed Media's operational software may be publicly available due to proprietary components or security considerations, the company actively leverages and contributes to open-source technologies.

Many components of Pulsed Media's software stack, tools, and utilities that support their services are developed and managed on GitHub. GitHub is a popular web-based platform for version control using Git, enabling developers to collaborate on projects. By hosting parts of their software stack on GitHub, Pulsed Media:

Facilitates internal development and version control.

Potentially allows external developers to review, contribute to, or integrate with certain aspects of their public-facing tools or utilities.

Demonstrates a commitment to modern development practices and transparency within specific areas of their operation.

This approach ensures that various aspects of their software, from system management tools to specific service integrations, are built using robust version control and, where applicable, benefit from community scrutiny and contribution.

See Also