Source Code

Source code is the set of written instructions that make up a computer program. It's written in a programming language, which is a formal system allowing humans to communicate tasks to a computer. When you write source code, you're essentially telling the computer what to do, step by step. This code is then compiled or interpreted into a form the computer can execute. Think of it like a recipe: the source code provides the detailed steps needed to create a dish, while the executed program is the completed meal. Understanding source code is key to software development and technology.