Source Code vs Object Code

Posted September 10, 2022 by Rohith ‐ 2 min read

ource Code is an assembly code or a high-level code- that a programmer generates (human-generated code). These types are comparatively very easy to read as well as modify. Object Code is a machine-understandable one. An object code comprises various low-level codes- that a translator or compiler generates from the source code.

Difference Between Source Code and Object Code are stated below

ParametersSource CodeObject Code
Generation of CodeA programmer generates a source code. Thus, it is human-generated.A compiler or any other type of translator generates an object code. Thus, it is machine-generated.
Level of CodeThis code is of a high-level type.This code is of a low-level type.
Code LanguageThis type of code exists in plain text. It is because we write it using a high-level type of programming language.This type of code exists in binary format. It is because it is a translated form of code that roots from the source code.
Understandable by HumansAny human can understand a source code.A machine can understand an object code- not a human.
Understandable by MachinesMachines cannot directly understand a source code unless translated.Any machine can directly understand as well as execute an object code.
Languages Used for Writing CodeWe write these types of codes in various high-level languages, such as Python, Java, C, C++, or the assembly language.An assembler, a compiler, or any other form of translator writes these codes into the machine language from the source code.
Ease of ModificationOne can easily modify these codes.You cannot modify these codes.
CommentsA source code can have comments by the programmer for an overall better understanding.An object code lacks any kind of comments for the machine to understand.
Number of StatementsAs compared to the object code, the number of statements is comparatively less.As compared to the source code, the number of statements is comparatively more.
Performance of CodeA source code performs way less than the object code because it is not very close to the machines.An object code performs more and better than the source code because it is comparatively very close to the machines.
Relations with Assemblers, Compilers, TranslatorsThe source code acts as the input to an assembler, compiler, or any other type of translator.The object code acts as the output of an assembler, compiler, or any other type of translator.
System-SpecificIt is not a system-specific type of code.It is a system-specific type of code as it easily runs on machines.
Ease of Changes and AlterationsYou can easily change the source code over the course of time.You need to compile the source code or translate it using any other translator after making the necessary changes- so that it reflects in the recent object code (modified one).
quick-references blog source-code object-code differences

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