Alphanumeric text in which most computer software is originally written by a computer programmer, consisting of coded instructions in a programming language, such as Java or C++. The source code for a program, which is saved in one or more files, describes sequences of specific actions to be performed by the computer. Source code files are translated by a special purpose software program, such as a compiler or assembler, into object code that can be processed directly by a computer or other device to control its operation.

For more on software, see Practice Note, IT Basics: Software: Overview.