Karl Jones: Created page with "In computing, '''executable code''' or an '''executable file''' or '''executable program''', sometimes simply an '''executable''', causes a computer "to perform indica..."

2016-09-10T23:58:18Z

Created page with "In computing, '''executable code''' or an '''executable file''' or '''executable program''', sometimes simply an '''executable''', causes a computer "to perform indica..."

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In [[computing]], '''executable code''' or an '''executable file''' or '''executable program''', sometimes simply an '''executable''', causes a [[computer]] "to perform indicated tasks according to encoded [[Instruction set|instructions]]."

These instructions are traditionally [[machine code]] instructions for a physical [[Central processing unit|CPU]].

== Description ==

However, in a more general sense, a [[computer file]] containing instructions (such as bytecode) for a software interpreter may also be considered executable; even a scripting language source file may therefore be considered executable in this sense.

The exact interpretation depends upon the use; while the term often refers only to machine code files, in the context of protection against computer viruses all files which cause potentially hazardous instruction execution, including [[Scripting language|scripts]], are lumped together for convenience.

Executable code is used to describe sequences of executable instructions that do not necessarily constitute an executable file; for example, sections within a program.

== See also ==

* [[Central processing unit]]
* [[Instruction set]]
* [[Machine code]]

== External links ==

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executable Executable] @ Wikipedia

[[Category:Computing]]

Executable - Revision history

Karl Jones: Created page with "In computing, '''executable code''' or an '''executable file''' or '''executable program''', sometimes simply an '''executable''', causes a computer "to perform indica..."