Executable

An executable is a program or file containing machine code that an operating system can load and run. Its format also carries information the operating system needs to map code and data into memory.

Program loader: An operating-system component that maps a program into memory and prepares it to run. It reads executable metadata and establishes the process image before execution.
Source code: Human-readable instructions written in a programming language before translation into machine code. Many executables begin as source code that is compiled into machine instructions.
Interpreted language: A programming language whose programs are commonly executed by an interpreter rather than compiled into standalone machine-code executables. Interpreted programs typically rely on a runtime instead of direct loading as native machine code.
Command-line interface: A text-based interface in which users issue commands to a computer program or operating system. Shells commonly launch executables in response to command-line invocations.
Address space layout randomization: A security technique that randomizes the memory locations used by a process. Executable metadata and relocation support affect how code participates in address randomization.
Executable and Linkable Format: A standard file format for executables, object files, and shared libraries on many Unix-like systems. ELF headers and segments tell Unix-like loaders how to map an executable.
Compiler: A program that translates source code into another representation, often machine code. Compilers commonly produce the object files from which executables are built.
Bytecode: An instruction representation designed for execution by a virtual machine or runtime rather than directly by a processor. Bytecode may be packaged as a program but usually needs a virtual machine to execute.
Software distribution: The processes and channels through which software is packaged and delivered to users or systems. Installers and packages deliver executable files along with required resources.
Position-independent code: Machine code designed to execute correctly regardless of its location in memory. It allows executable code to be mapped at varying addresses, aiding shared libraries and security.

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