What Is a Computer Source Code?

A computer source code is basically a software or hardware programmer’s language that defines the manner in which the programmed material is meant to function. It is a written explanation of what a computer or program is supposed to do.

A computer source code is written directions (computer programming codes) that can be understand and interpreted by the computer and, if necessary, converted into binary code. Computer source code is the source that directs the software or the hardware and tells it what to do, but since the instructions are written in a special programming language, it is easier for a programmer to write it.

HTML, for example, is a form of computer source code used for some web pages. If you see an HTML source page, you may see something like:

< img src = website here > < / img >

This written source code instructs the web browser to go and get the image from the named location and display it in that spot.

Computer Source Code and Binary Code

Computer source code can work with the binary code system used by computers, so that the written source code can tell the computer what to do.

• Binary code consists of only zeros and ones arranged in specific sequences that represent different orders as the computer reads them.
• These orders, in effect, tell the computer what to do.

Computer source code, on the other hand, isn't just a series of confusing numbers. While it works with various programs that interact with binary code and inform the computer of what action to take, computer source code is in a programming language that is readily readable by the programmer, making it much easier to write. 

Using Computer Source Code

Now that you know what computer source code is, there are a few things to know about how and when it is used:

• Computer source codes can be used to create machine automation sequences.
• The quality of the code itself impacts how well programs work, as does the speed of the machine for which the code provides the algorithms, and the manner in which the machine operates.
• Computer source code is popular because it lends itself to what’s referred to as “software reusability.” This means that source code is generally written in a manner that allows it to be adapted efficiently into other software programs, as long as the original source code is written for a relatable program. Most source code programmers use this method freely because reading from previously written source code is considered one of the best methods of increasing and enhancing code writing skills.  
• If the source code for any particular software program is hidden from anyone beside the originator of the software, the program is generally considered to be proprietary and must be purchased in order to be shared. When the same source code is traded freely among other programmers as well as users of the program, this generally means that the software itself is traded freely and can be downloaded without charge.

So, now you know what computer source code is, how it works and what it does within your computer.