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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Source Code and Bytecode?

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The main difference between source code and bytecode lies in their representation and the stage they are in during the programming process. Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Source Code: This is the original code written by a programmer using a programming language, such as Java, Python, or C++. It contains instructions, statements, variables, comments, and other elements that make up a complete program. Source code is easily readable and editable by humans but not directly understandable by computers.
  • Bytecode: This is an intermediate code between the source code and machine code. It is generated by the compilation of source code and is processed by a virtual machine between the source code and machine code. Bytecode is in the form of numeric codes and constants, making it less understandable by humans compared to source code.

In summary, source code is the human-readable form of a program, while bytecode is an intermediate representation that serves as a bridge between the source code and the machine code that computers can execute.

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  • What is the Difference Between Source Code and Bytecode?
  • Comparative Table: Source Code vs Bytecode

    • Comparative Table: Source Code vs Bytecode

    Here is a table that highlights the differences between source code and bytecode:

    Feature Source Code Bytecode
    Definition Source code is the original code written by a programmer using a programming language, such as Java, Python, C++, etc.. Bytecode is an intermediate representation of the source code, which is compiled by the Javac compiler.
    Reading Source code is human-readable and can be easily understood by programmers. Bytecode is machine-readable and can be executed by a virtual machine or an interpreter.
    Writing Source code is written by humans. Bytecode is generated by the Javac compiler.
    Execution Source code cannot be executed directly by computers and needs to be converted into a machine-understandable format. Bytecode can be executed by a virtual machine, such as the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
    Portability Source code is platform-dependent, meaning it needs to be compiled or interpreted for each platform it is executed on. Bytecode is platform-independent, allowing it to run on any system containing a Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
    Modification Source code can be easily modified by programmers. Bytecode cannot be easily modified, as it is a compiled version of the source code.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.