What is the machine code produced by a compiler intended for execution by a processor called?

Study for the SQA Higher Computing Science Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

The machine code produced by a compiler for execution by a processor is referred to as object code. This term describes the low-level binary code that a computer’s processor can understand and execute directly. When a high-level programming language is compiled, it translates the human-readable code into this binary format, which is specific to the architecture of the target processor.

Byte code, on the other hand, is an intermediate code that is often produced for platforms that use virtual machines, allowing the same code to run on different systems after being interpreted or further compiled. Source code refers to the original written code by programmers in high-level languages before compilation. Assembly code is a low-level representation of machine code that is more human-readable than binary but still closely tied to the architecture of the computer's processor.

In summary, object code is the accurate term used for the machine code output of a compiler, making it the correct answer in this context.

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