C / C++ / C#

  1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. C / C++ / C#

Definition of Machine Code

By David Bolton, About.com

Definition: Machine code is the name for the Instructions that a CPU can execute. It's rather difficult to read as it is just numbers in memory. There are programs that can convert the numbers back into assembly language but unless you are pretty skilled or trying to break a protection scheme, there is little use or need for it.

Compilers generate machine code from your C or C++ source code.

Glossary:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Also Known As: Binary Code
Examples: Compiler writers use all sorts of tricks so that the machine code generated by the compiler is optimized to execute very rapidly.

Explore C / C++ / C#

About.com Special Features

Build Your Own Website

Step-by-step advice on how to do everything from choosing a Web host to promoting your content. More >

Connect Your Home Computers

Easy ways to connect two computers for networking purposes. More >

C / C++ / C#

  1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. C / C++ / C#
  4. Glossary
  5. M
  6. Machine Code - Definition

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.