An executable file (commonly referred to as EXE files) contains programs that can run on computers. Their code is usually compiled from source code using programming languages, allowing computers to interpret them to perform functions or operations – unlike data files which only store numbers, words or pictures. EXE files can usually be opened with appropriate software but some types can pose risks.
People tend to associate executable files with Windows software; however, these programs can run on many other operating systems as well. Sometimes these programs may even be created on one system and then compiled onto another – meaning multiple computers could have compatible versions of the same software on them – such as with Mac computers having similar filetypes like.app extensions.
An executable file or executable program allows a computer to complete tasks according to encoded instructions, unlike data files which must be read before being meaningful. Apart from their opcodes, executable files typically also include other necessary elements for running them: text region of process stack (text region for running process), initial values, debugging info such as hardcoded strings in program code and symbol tables.
Data files can be opened on a computer with the appropriate software, whereas executable files require specific programs in order to run. This makes creating and running software applications much more complex than simply saving results in data files, hence why so many programming languages exist and often follow sets of principles designed to enable developers to produce the highest quality code as efficiently as possible.
To produce executable software programs, the source code must first be converted to binary form that can run directly by a computer processor – typically done using compilers or interpreters. Next, this binary file needs to be linked with libraries or dependent files to form the final executable file; this is often known as static or dynamic linkage.
Compilated and linked files can be run with the appropriate software by double-clicking them, though it’s important to remember that executable files may contain malicious code which could harm or destroy a computer if run. Because unknown executable files might contain harmful codes that could compromise a computer if run, unknown executable files should only ever be opened from trusted sources or received as legitimate e-mail attachments from trusted senders; occasionally viruses and malware programs will even compile an executable file as part of their distribution via the Internet.
