Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:
A compiled programming language is one where the source code is translated into machine code (or an intermediate form) by a compiler before execution. According to foundational programming principles (e.g., Certiport Scripting and Programming Foundations Study Guide), this process results in an executable file that can run independently of the compiler.
Option A: "The program usually runs slower than an interpreted language." This is incorrect. Compiled languages (e.g., C, C++) typically produce machine code that runs faster than interpreted languages (e.g., Python), as the translation to machine code is done beforehand, avoiding runtime interpretation overhead.
Option B: "The code runs directly one statement at a time by another program called a compiler." This is incorrect. A compiler translates the entire program into machine code before execution, not one statement at a time. Running code one statement at a time is characteristic of an interpreter, not a compiler.
Option C: "The code must be compiled into machine code in the form of an executable file before execution." This is correct. In compiled languages like C or Java (which compiles to bytecode), the source code is translated into machine code or an intermediate form (e.g., .exe or .class files) that can be executed directly by the machine or a virtual machine.
Option D: "The code does not require being translated into machine code but can be run by a separate program called a compiler." This is incorrect. A compiler’s role is to translate code into machine code. Running code without translation describes an interpreted language, and the term “compiler” is misused here.
Certiport Scripting and Programming Foundations Study Guide (Section on Compiled vs. Interpreted Languages).
C Programming Language Standard (ISO/IEC 9899:2011).
W3Schools: “C Introduction” (https://www.w3schools.com/c/c_intro.php).
