How a Source Code Is Translated to Machine Code

A compiler takes the program code (source code) and converts the source code to a machine language module (called an object file). Another specialized program, called a linker, combines this object file with other previously compiled object files (in particular run-time modules) to create an executable file.

How is C++ translated to machine code?

Compilers are utility programs that take your code and transform it into executable machine code files. When you run a compiler on your code, first, the preprocessor reads the source code (the C++ file you just wrote). The preprocessor searches for any preprocessor directives (lines of code starting with a #).

Can C++ run on any machine?

No. Often the libraries are different on different systems. If your program involves any GUI then you will definatly have OS specific code that won’t run on other OSs. If you write a C++ program targeting the g++ compiler without GUI code there may still be some OS specific code.