What do developers mean by source code?
If you’ve ever worked with a developer or heard them talk about software development, you’ve likely come across the term ‘source code’. But what exactly does it mean? Understanding this term is crucial to grasping how applications and websites are built and maintained.
What is source code?
In simple terms, source code is the human-readable instructions that developers write to create software. It’s written in various programming languages, such as JavaScript, Python, C# or PHP, depending on the type of software being developed.
It typically consists of a series of text files that contain the code that tells the computer what to do. These files are organised into projects or repositories, and developers use version control systems to track changes and collaborate on the codebase.
Why is it important?
It’s the foundation of any software application. Without it, there would be no way to create or modify programs. Here’s why it matters:
- Flexibility and control: With access to the source code, developers can modify software to suit specific requirements. Whether it’s adding new features, fixing bugs or improving performance, having the source code ensures the software can evolve as needed.
- Maintenance and debugging: Errors in software are inevitable, and source code allows developers to find and fix those errors. When a bug is identified, the source code is where developers look to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
- Collaboration: Software is rarely built by a single person. Usually teams of developers work together on a project, often across different locations. Source code, along with tools like GitHub, enables multiple developers to contribute to the same project simultaneously.
Compiling the code
When a developer writes this code, it’s in a format that is readable by humans. However, computers don’t understand human languages; they require machine code, which consists of binary instructions. The process of transforming source code into machine code is called compilation. Different programming languages use different compilers to convert it into a format the computer can execute.
Bring your custom software ideas to life
At Netgen, we understand the power of well-written source code and how it can shape the future of your business. If you want to find out more about our custom software solutions, get in touch today.