Difference Between Source Code and Object Code

Last Updated : 12 Sep, 2024

Anyone needs to have the background knowledge that is required when studying computer programming, especially that of the difference between source code and object code. Such terms are used when describing the process of developing software, compiling it, and its execution. In this article, you will learn what source code and object code are as well as the purpose of each in programming and the major distinction between them.

What is a Source Code?

Source code refers to high-level code or assembly code that is generated by humans/programmers. Source code is easy to read and modify. It is written by the programmer by using any High-Level Language or Intermediate language which is human-readable. The source code contains comments that the programmer makes for better understanding.

Source code is provided to a language translator which converts it into machine-understandable code which is called machine code or object code. The computer can not understand direct source code, a computer understands machine code and executes it. It is considered a fundamental component of a computer. In simple we can say source code is a set of instructions/commands and statements which is written by a programmer by using a computer programming language like C, C++, Java, Python, Assembly language, etc. So statements written in any programming language are termed source code.

Key Features of Source Code

They are coded in high-level programming languages.
Frequently found in a format that can be read and understood by human beings.
Has to be assembled or set out to be usable on a machine.
Both are fixed and alterable by developers.

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. Object code contains a sequence of machine-understandable instructions that which Central Processing Unit understands and executes.

The object file contains the object code. It is considered as one more machine code. Some object file examples are common object file format (COFF), COM files, and ".exe" files. It is the output of a compiler or other translator. We can understand source code but we can not understand object code as it is not in plain text like source code rather it is in binary formats.

Key Features of Object Code

It is coded in machine language which is in the form of binary language of 0s and 1s.
It can only be read by another computer or other programmed machines and is not comprehensible by human beings.
Executed directly from the computer hardware and can be operated on with complex logical as well arithmetic operations.
Created by linking the source code files to create an executable file with the help of a compiler utility program.

Similarities Between Source Code and Object Code

Both are necessary for the software development process: Source code is used to create software, and object code is the final product of the compilation process that is executed by the computer.
Both are created using programming languages: Source code is written in a high-level programming language such as Java, C++, or Python, and object code is generated by the compiler when it translates the source code into machine code.
Both are necessary for debugging: Source code is used for debugging during the development process, while object code can be used for debugging after the software has been compiled.
Both are necessary for software maintenance: Source code is used for making changes or modifications to the software, and object code can be used for troubleshooting and resolving issues that may arise during the software's lifespan.
Both can be protected by copyright law: Source code and object code can be protected by copyright law to prevent unauthorized copying or use.