Executable

What does Executable mean?

An executable is a type of computer file that contains instructions that can be executed by a computer’s central processing unit (CPU). Unlike source code, which is written in a human-readable language and must be translated into machine code before it can be executed, an executable file is already in machine code and can be run directly by the CPU.

Executable files are typically created by compiling source code using a compiler. A compiler is a program that translates source code into machine code. Once the source code has been compiled, the resulting executable file can be run on any computer that has the appropriate operating system and hardware.

There are different types of executable files, depending on the operating system. For example, executable files on Windows systems have the extension “.exe”, while executable files on Linux systems have the extension “.elf”.

Applications

Executables are essential for running software on computers. They are used to launch programs, open documents, and perform other tasks. Without executables, computers would not be able to run any software.

Executables are also used in scripting languages. Scripting languages are high-level programming languages that are interpreted rather than compiled. This means that scripting languages are not converted into machine code before they are run. Instead, they are executed by an interpreter, which is a program that translates the scripting language code into machine code on the fly.

Executables are important in technology today because they allow computers to run software. Without executables, computers would not be able to perform many of the tasks that we rely on them for.

History

The concept of an executable file dates back to the early days of computing. In the 1940s and 1950s, computers were programmed using assembly language. Assembly language is a low-level Programming Language that is one step above machine code. Assembly language programs are typically translated into machine code using an Assembler.

In the 1960s, high-level programming languages began to emerge. High-level programming languages are easier to read and write than assembly language. They are also more portable, meaning that they can be run on different types of computers. High-level programming languages are typically compiled into machine code using a compiler.

The first executable files were created in the 1960s. These files were typically stored on punched cards or magnetic tape. In the 1970s, floppy disks and hard drives became more common, and executable files began to be stored on these devices.

Today, executable files are stored on a Variety of media, including hard drives, solid-State drives, and optical discs. Executable files are also distributed over the Internet.