executable files

Definitions

A computer file that contains a sequence of instructions in machine code that a computer can execute directly.

A file format that, when opened or run, causes a computer to perform the tasks indicated by the encoded instructions.

Examples

The security software automatically scanned all downloaded executable files for potential malware.

Users should exercise caution when running executable files from unknown or untrusted sources.

Synonyms

binary files program files runnable files application files executables

Antonyms

source code files text files data files non-executable files script files