An executable file format is a specific structure that an operating system recognizes and can execute as a program, containing machine code and other necessary components like headers and metadata. These formats vary across different operating systems, with common examples including PE for Windows, ELF for Linux, and Mach-O for macOS.

Executable File Format

executable file format

Machine code is the lowest-level representation of a computer program, consisting of binary instructions that a computer's central processing unit (CPU) can execute directly. It is specific to the architecture of the CPU, meaning that machine code compiled for one type of processor will not run on a different type without modification or recompilation.

machine code

An operating system (OS) is the fundamental software that manages computer hardware and software resources, providing common services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, ensuring efficient execution of applications and user tasks.

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