Source code

Source code (or "source", or rarely "source language") is the form in which a computer program (software) is written by a programmer. Source code is typically written in a programming language that can be compiled into object code or machine code or executed by an interpreter. Source code may be stored in a source code management system or integrated development environment, such as Apple's Xcode.

If one has the source code for a program, rather than its compiled, executable form, then one can, with the right tools, modify it to fix bugs or add new features. This is the basis of the open source philosophy — empowering other users to improve the software they use for the benefit of themselves and others.