Executable Files
Executable files are computer files that contain instructions in a format that a computer's operating system can directly execute to perform specific tasks or run programs. They are typically compiled from source code into machine code or bytecode, and include metadata like headers and entry points that the OS uses to load and start the program. Common examples include .exe files on Windows, .app bundles on macOS, and ELF binaries on Linux.
Developers should understand executable files to create, distribute, and debug software applications across different platforms, as they are fundamental to software deployment and execution. This knowledge is essential for tasks like building installers, optimizing performance, ensuring security (e.g., by avoiding malicious executables), and working with cross-platform tools that generate executables for various operating systems.