Source Code

The actual program - as written by the programmer - which is compiled into machine code (object code) which the computer can understand. Source code is the intellectual property of the developer(s) and for many years commercial source code was never released to users, only licensed for use. Possession of Source Code is essential if a organisation is to maintain and/or modify the software without being reliant upon the original developer. There are now Escrow provisions in the agreements for major developments to protect users in the case of a developer/supplier ceasing to trade.