noun

source code

the human-readable instructions of a program

In more detail

1. (noun) the original program or instructions written by a programmer in a programming language that a computer can understand and execute

2. (noun) the information or documents that form the basis for something

Examples

1. The developer published the source code on GitHub so others could review and modify it.
2. The historian consulted primary source codes to understand the historical event.

How to use source code

Source code refers to human-readable instructions written by programmers before compilation or interpretation into machine-executable form. It emphasizes the original, readable nature of the program as opposed to the compiled or obfuscated versions. In a broader sense, it can mean the foundational information or documents underlying any system or claim.

Common phrases

read the source code
write source code
open source code
source code repository
access source code

Synonyms

code · program · script · instructions

Opposites

machine code · compiled code · executable

Word family

source · code · coder · coding

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse source code with the compiled executable or binary file that results from it, when these are distinct stages in software development.

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