The ultimate result of the compilation of assembly language or any high-level language such as C or Pascal: sequences of 1s and 0s that are loaded and executed by a microprocessor. Machine code is the only language computers understand; all other programming languages represent ways of structuring human language so that humans can get computers to perform specific tasks. Also called: machine language. See also compiler (definition 2).
A set of instructions coded so that the computer can use it directly without further translation; SYN. machine language.
/> In computing, a set of instructions that a computer's central processing unit (CPU) can understand and obey directly, without any translation. Each type of CPU has its own machine code. Because machine-code programs consist entirely of binary digits (bits), most programmers write their programs in an easy-to-use high-level language. A high-level program must be translated into machine code—by means of a compiler or interpreter program—before it can be executed by a computer.
Where no suitable high-level language exists or where very efficient machine code is required, programmers may choose to write programs in a low-level, or assembly, language, which is eventually translated into machine code by means of an assembler program.
Microprocessors (CPUs based on a single integrated circuit) may be classified according to the number of machine-code instructions that they are capable of obeying: CISC (complex instruction set computer) microprocessors support up to 200 instructions, whereas RISC (reduced instruction set computer) microprocessors support far fewer instructions but execute programs more rapidly.