Aug 15, 2019 · The main difference between object code and executable code is that object code is a program or a file that is created after compiling the source code while executable code is a file or a program that indicates tasks according to encoded instructions the CPU can directly execute.

Sep 12, 2024 · What is an Object Code? Object code refers to low-level code that is understandable by machine. Object code is generated from source code after going through a compiler or other translator. It is in executable machine code format.

Sep 17, 2014 · Object code (within an object file): Output from a compiler intended as input for a linker (for the linker to produce executable code). Executable: A program ready to be run (executed) on a computer

Jan 21, 2009 · Object code is a portion of machine code not yet linked into a complete program. It's the machine code for one particular library or module that will make up the completed product. It may also contain placeholders or offsets not found in …

Feb 22, 2010 · Compiling is the act of turning source code into object code. Linking is the act of combining object code with libraries into a raw executable. Building is the sequence composed of compiling and linking, with possibly other tasks such as installer creation. Many compilers handle the linking step automatically after compiling source code.

Object code is the output of a compiler after it processes the source code. The object code is usually a machine code, also called a machine language, which can be understood directly by a specific type of CPU (central processing unit), such as x86 (i.e., Intel-compatible) or PowerPC.

May 12, 2023 · Object code is essentially the machine-readable version of the source code, which can be executed directly by the computer’s CPU. Object code is typically stored in a binary file format, which is specific to the target architecture and operating system.

May 31, 2022 · An object code is written in machine code or in some code using an intermediate language such as Register Transfer Language (RTL). A linker takes object code as input, links it with required libraries and headers, and generates machine code that can be loaded into system memory and executed.

The distinction between object code and executable code is that object code often contains placeholders for references to variables and functions defined in other modules. Those references aren’t executable and are resolved by linking object files and libraries.

So what exactly is the difference between source code, object code, and executable code? Well to give you a quick tip for easy understanding, just look at this flow: Source code produces object code, object code produces executable code also called executable file.