source code

American  

[sawrs kohd] / ˈsɔrs ˌkoʊd /

noun

Computers.

1. program instructions written in a programming language that is readable by humans and that must be converted to machine language before being executed.

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source code British  

noun

1. computing the original form of a computer program before it is converted into a machine-readable code

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source code Scientific  

/ sôrs /

1. Code written by a programmer in a high-level language and readable by people but not computers. Source code must be converted to object code or machine language by a compiler before a computer can read or execute the program.

2. Compare object code

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Compare meaning

How does source-code compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• source code vs. object code

Example Sentences

Source code, a collection of computer code that power websites and features, is quite expansive and could contain cryptographic keys that allow access to other company programs.

From Washington Post • Mar. 27, 2023

Source code for the mobile, desktop, and video game console Twitch clients.

From The Verge • Oct. 6, 2021

Coughing up a list of examples is easy: Source code.

From Salon • Jul. 1, 2018

Source code represents the crown jewels for any software maker and most major commercial software companies jealously guard the code as their most precious secrets.

From Reuters • Jul. 30, 2014

Source code is the original programmer’s instructions used to develop software programs and can provide both economic advantages as well as insight into potential security vulnerabilities.

From New York Times • Jan. 13, 2010