Source Code
Source Code: Human readable computer instructions that when compiled or interpreted, become an application.
Definition
Human readable computer instructions that when compiled or interpreted, become an application. Source code can be written by humans or by computers.
Alternative Definitions
- Definition 2
Human readable computer instructions that, when compiled or interpreted, define the functionality of a programmed device.
- Definition 3
The form in which a computer program is written by the programmer. Source code is written in a programming language before being converted into machine code for a computer to read and use.
- Definition 4
Human readable computer instructions that when compiled or interpreted, become an application. Source code can be written by humans or by computers. The source code of a voting system must be securely stored (escrowed) so that any future, needed modifications of the system can be performed.
- Definition 5
Human readable computer instructions that, when compiled or interpreted, define the functionality of a programmed device. Source code can be written by humans or by computers.
- Definition 6
The text that can create software: Source code “generates” software, software “runs on” hardware. Because source code is just like any other digital file, it is possible to copy it and run it on multiple machines. This infinite reproducibility means source code is regulated much like other creative works (books, movies, etc.) - it can be copyrighted and its use can be governed by the license that it is released under.
- Definition 7
“The specific language a programmer uses to program the electronic equipment or vote tabulating system. The source code of the comput er language is then compiled, interpreted, or assembled into object code by the computer. The result is a machine language program in binary form which can be run by the comput er.” Cal. Proc. §1845. A “computer program written in a programming language and used to ge nerate machine instructions through the use of assemblers or compilers.” Fla. VSS Appendix. Cf. OBJECT CODE.