Have you ever wondered how computer programs are made? Or how a computer knows what to do when you click on a button or type something into a search bar? The answer lies in something called source code.

What is Source Code?

        Source code is the written instructions that tell a computer what to do. It's the language that programmers use to write computer programs. Think of it like a recipe for a cake – the recipe tells you what ingredients to use and what steps to take to make the cake. Source code does the same thing, but for computers.
        Source code is written in a programming language, which is a special type of language that computers can understand. Some common programming languages include Python, Java, and C++. Each language has its own set of rules and syntax that programmers must follow to write correct source code.

How Does Source Code Work?

        When you write source code, you use a text editor to create a file that contains your code. This file is then saved with a special extension that tells the computer what type of code it is. For example, Python code is saved with the ".py" extension, while Java code is saved with the ".java" extension.
        Once you have written your source code, you need to "compile" it. This means that you use a program called a compiler to translate your source code into a format that the computer can understand. The compiled code is then saved as an executable file, which is what the computer runs when you open a program.

Why is Source Code Important?

        Source code is important because it allows programmers to create computer programs that can do just about anything. Without source code, computers would not be able to run the software that we use every day – from web browsers to video games to social media platforms.
        In addition, source code is important because it allows programmers to improve and modify existing programs. By looking at the source code for a program, programmers can see how it works and make changes to improve its functionality or fix bugs.

Conclusion

        Source code is the written instructions that tell a computer what to do. It's the language that programmers use to create computer programs. Without source code, computers would not be able to run the software that we use every day. If you're interested in programming, learning about source code is an important step in understanding how computer programs are made.