Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · Automation software engineering and architecture

Source code

Also known as: Code

German: Quellcode

In software engineering, source code is the human-readable form of a program, written in a programming language such as C, Python or the IEC 61131-3 languages, from which object code or executables are generated.

  • Software engineering

In one sentence

Source code is the human-readable form of a program in a programming language, from which executable code is generated.

Example

The PLC source code is exported as structured text files and stored in Git, so changes can be reviewed line by line.

How it applies

  • Engineering: Source code is the primary engineering artifact and belongs under version control. Graphical PLC languages and engineering tool projects may need export or tool support to be versioned and compared.
  • Delivery: Contracts define whether customers receive source code, for example to maintain the machine themselves, and under which license.
  • Documentation: Comments in source code are the basis for generated API references. Code examples in manuals should be taken from tested source, not typed by hand.

Source code vs. object code

Source code is written and read by people. Object code is generated by a compiler for machines; it cannot easily be reviewed or modified.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Blog editorial definition, based on common software engineering practice

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Blog and are not part of any standard.

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