What does an executable file contain? program instructions written in source code. program instructions that have been compiled into machine language. program instructions that have been interpreted. a microprocessor and a set of instructions.

Program instructions that have been compiled into machine language.

Explanation:

An executable file has an extension of .exe.

As per the name, exe file can be directly executed and the program runs and gives the output.

The exe file is produced using two other software applications called the compiler and the linker.

The compiler’s job is to convert source code into machine instructions. Linker, as per its name, links the machine instructions produced by the compiler with other files as discussed below.  

1.The program is written in the programming language known as the source code.

2.The program is saved.

3.Once saved, the program is compiled.

4.On compilation, the code is converted into machine language instructions which forms the object file.

5.This object file is the input for another software called linker.

6.The linker combines this object file with other object files (previously compiled header files) and produces the exe file.

7.This exe file is executed to give the result for which the program is written.

8.The exe file can be executed by double clicking on the exe file.

The .exe is the notation used on Windows system.

The exe file is produced every time the program is compiled. The computer acts in the way as is mentioned in the exe file.

Program instructions written in source code.  

1.This refers to the program written in the high-level language or the programming language or source code.

2.A text file contains the program or the source code, not an exe file.

A microprocessor and a set of instructions.

1.An exe file cannot contain a microprocessor.

2.An exe file can only contain instructions.

Program instructions that have been interpreted.  

1.The program on interpretation is converted to machine language instructions in run time.

2.On complete interpretation, output is displayed. No file is produced on interpretation.

3.Interpretation into machine language is done every time the program undergoes interpretation to give the output.