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source code
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source code

computing
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Source code refers to a computer program written in its original programming language, such as FORTRAN or C, before it is translated into object code by a compiler. This human-readable code is the foundation of all software.12

Programming languages allow humans to communicate instructions to computers. Early languages were close to machine code, but higher-level languages like FORTRAN and ALGOL emerged in the mid-1950s, enabling more abstract programming. The concept of "open source" emerged from a movement that values transparency and sharing of source code, contrasting with proprietary software where source code is kept secret. This open sharing allows for broader review and bug identification.32

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. source code
  2. computer science - Programming languages
  3. open source

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