What is a source code?

Question

Im getting a Program called TGB and the price is $250 but without source code it's $100 what dose having source code have extra?
Im asking this because I think(not sure) that source code is general computer Programs.

Answer 1

Source code provides you with the code that was compiled to generate the application called TGB.



Advantages of source code:

1. Will allow you to look under the cover to see how TGB works!

2. Will allow you to provide unique tweaks to the way TGB works.

3. You can debug the problem (deep dive into the step by step working) if TGB is not working as expected (or just for fun).

4. With permission, you can even modify, add, and redistribute your version of the TGB.



Note that you would need to have sufficient programming knowledge to be able to do all the things stated above. If not, source code would be as useful as the paperbox it came in!

Answer 2

'Source code' is the actual instructions that make the program do what it does, before they are compiled into an executable program.



Having the 'source code' enables a programmer (who is savvy about the particular programming language that is used to make the program) to compile it for different computer architectures and operating systems, to modify it, and to understand the inner workings of the program.

Answer 3

The final application and the source code to build it are two different things. Software (usually) has to be compiled into the final product.



If you have the actual source code, you can re-write, modify or add on to the application.

Answer 4

If you don't know what source code is, you don't need it.



Source code are the "internals" of your program. Unless you're an experienced programmer, source code will be of no use to you.