What is the Difference Between Object Code and Executable Code

The main difference between object code and executable code is that object code is a program or a file that is created after compiling the source code while executable code is a file or a program that indicates tasks according to encoded instructions the CPU can directly execute.

A programmer writes a program using a programming language. The computer does not understand this program. Therefore, the compiler converts this source code into an object code. The object code is a binary file, and the computer understands this file. On the other hand, the CPU can directly execute an executable code. Generally, object code is an executable code. However, it is difficult to identify the difference between object code and executable code as they are very similar.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Object Code
     -Definition, Functionality
2. What is Executable Code
     -Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between Object Code and Executable Code
     -Comparison of key differences

Key Terms

Byte Code, Executable Code, Object Code, Source Code

What is Object Code

The computer does not understand the source program or the source code. Therefore, the compiler converts the source program into an object program. It contains the instructions for the machine to perform. These instructions are in the form of binary digits. The machine understands this object code. Therefore, the computer can execute this code. Generally, the object code is specific to the system architecture.

Furthermore, if the programmer does any modifications to the source code, it is necessary to compile the program to make those changes appear in the object code.

What is Executable Code

Executable code is a file or a program that indicates tasks according to encoded instructions. The CPU can directly execute an executable file to defined tasks. In other words, it is machine code instructions for a physical CPU. As a CPU can directly execute an object code, we can also consider the object code as an executable code.  Furthermore, it is sometimes possible to consider a bytecode or scripting language instructions as an executable code.

Difference Between Object Code and Executable Code

Definition

Object code is a sequence of statements in binary that is generated after compiling the source program. In contrast, an executable code is a file or a program that indicates tasks according to encoded instructions which are directly executed by the CPU.

Synonyms

While object program is another name for object code, executable file and executable program are other names for executable code.

Conclusion

In brief, object code is an executable code. The main difference between object code and executable code is that object code is a program or a file that is created after compiling the source code while an executable code is a file or a program that indicates tasks according to encoded instructions the CPU can directly execute. However, it is difficult to identify the difference between object code and executable code as they are very similar.

References:

1.“Executable.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 May 2019, Available here.
2.“What Is Object Code? – Definition from Techopedia.” Techopedia.com, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1.”A C program that prints Hello World when invoked” By Esquivalience – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia