| − | An '''Executable File''' is a [[computer]] file which contains operational directions for a computer. These directions (which are the [[binary]] result of compiled program language) directly instruct the [[operating system]] and [[hardware]] to perform certain tasks. Executable files are very common—every computer program is at least in part and executable file. Many complete programs include other files which contain various resources, configuration, and other data, but there always must be an executable program. | + | An '''Executable File''' is a [[computer]] file which contains operational directions for a computer. These directions (which are the [[binary]] result of compiled program language) directly instruct the [[operating system]] and [[hardware]] to perform certain tasks. Executable files are very common—every computer program is at least in part an executable file. Many complete programs include other files which contain various resources, configuration, and other data, but there always must be an executable program. |