Computerexecutable

Computerexecutable is a term used to describe software, programs, or data that can be loaded into a computer’s memory and executed by a processor. It is typically contrasted with source code, which must be translated, and with non-executable data. An executable may be a native machine-code file, a bytecode program run by a virtual machine, or a script that is interpreted by a runtime.

Native executables contain machine instructions tailored to a specific processor architecture and are produced by compilers and linkers. Bytecode executables run within a virtual machine or interpreter, while script-based executables rely on an interpreter to perform actions. Executables may be statically linked, including all required libraries, or dynamically linked, depending on shared libraries at run time.

Common executable formats include Windows Portable Executable (PE), Linux/Unix Executable and Linkable Format (ELF), and macOS Mach-O. The operating system's loader maps the executable into memory, resolves references to libraries, and transfers control to the program's entry point. In Unix-like systems, execute permission (for example, the executable bit) governs direct execution; Windows uses security policies and digital signatures to establish trust.

Security and distribution considerations accompany executables. Provenance, code signing, and trusted delivery channels help mitigate malware risk, while packaging, sandboxing, and access controls can limit potential damage. Collectively, the concept of computerexecutable encompasses diverse file types and runtimes that culminate in a running process on a computer.