What is the process called when source code statements are translated into executable code?

• A. Compiling
• B. Interpreting
• C. Assembling
• D. Linking

Answer: (A)

Compiling is the process of translating source code statements into machine code or an executable form. A compiler examines the whole program, checks for syntax and semantic errors, and then generates an object file or directly an executable, often with optimizations. This differs from interpreting, where code is executed directly by an interpreter as it runs, without producing a standalone binary. Assembling, by contrast, converts assembly language into machine code, which is a lower-level step than translating high-level languages. Linking happens after compilation, combining object files and libraries into one executable and resolving references. Since the description describes turning high-level source into an executable binary, compiling is the best fit.