rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycompilationCode translation
noun

compilation

The process of translating source code into executable form.

The program's compilation stops when the compiler finds a syntax error.

Etymology
compilationLatinplunder; collect

The Latin verb developed from plundering to gathering material. Early computing compilation gathered program components; the name persisted for translating source instructions into executable or lower-level form.

More examples

  • Compilation takes longer after we add several large modules.
  • This optimization slows compilation but helps the program run faster.
  • Successful compilation produces an executable file in the output folder.

Forms

compilation · compilations

compiler noun — A program that translates source code.

compile verb — To translate source code into executable form.

Similar words

translation
Can convert code between languages without producing executable output.
build
Includes compilation and other steps needed to create software.