What is Source Code?

Source code refers to the written instructions that a programmer creates to tell a computer what to do. 

These instructions are written in a programming language, such as Python or C++, and are then translated into machine code (object code) that the computer can understand.

Below is a simple example of source code:

print("Hello, world!")

This is a very basic line of code that uses the Python programming language. When this code is executed, the computer will display the message “Hello, world!” on the screen. 

The code is written in a human-readable format, with instructions written in English-like words and symbols. It is then translated into machine-readable code by a language processor (compiler or interpreter).

Source code is the foundation of all software applications, allowing programmers to create everything from simple scripts to complex software applications.

For example, we want a C++ program to add two numbers and display the result. We could write the following program:

#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

int main() {
   int num1, num2, sum;
   cout << "Enter two numbers: ";
   cin >> num1 >> num2;
   sum = num1 + num2;
   cout << "Sum of the two numbers is: " << sum;
   return 0;
}

The above program is basically the source code for adding two numbers in C++.

This source code would then need to be compiled using a compiler to generate a binary executable file called the object code or machine code that could be run on a computer.

What is The Purpose of Source Code?

The purpose of source code is to provide instructions to a computer or device on how to perform a specific task or function.

To create any software, programmers will write the code using a programming language, such as C++, Java, Python, or JavaScript. 

They will use a text editor, such as Notepad++, or an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), such as Visual Studio or Eclipse, to write and edit the source code.

Licensing of Source Code

When software developers create source code, they own its intellectual property rights. Licensing is a legal agreement between the programmer and the user that allows the user to use the code under certain terms and conditions.

There are different types of software licenses, and they vary in their terms and conditions. Some licenses require the user to pay a fee to use the software, while others are free. 

Some licenses restrict the user from modifying the source code, while others allow modifications.

To learn more about source code licensing, please read our guide on Software, where we have discussed it in detail.