Executable

Binary executable file2

Executable

An executable is a type of computer file that is capable of being executed or run as a program in a computer. Executables allow computers to perform tasks according to encoded instructions, as opposed to merely acting as a data file or document. They are a fundamental aspect of software operation, serving as the primary means by which computer operating systems launch applications and scripts.

Overview

Executable files can come in various formats, which differ between operating systems. On Microsoft Windows, executables usually have an .EXE file extension, while macOS uses the .APP extension for applications, and many Unix-like systems, including Linux, do not require a specific extension for such files. Executables contain machine code, which is directly executable by the central processing unit (CPU), or, in some cases, they may contain bytecode to be interpreted by a virtual machine, such as the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) or the .NET Framework's Common Language Runtime (CLR).

Execution Process

The process of executing a file involves the operating system loading the file into random-access memory (RAM), and then the CPU executing the machine code instructions contained within the file. This process can vary significantly between operating systems and file formats. For instance, script files, which are also considered executables, are run by an interpreter that reads and executes the commands written in a programming language.

Security Concerns

Executable files pose significant security risks if they are maliciously crafted. Malware, including viruses, worms, and trojan horses, often masquerades as legitimate executable files to trick users into running them. Modern operating systems and antivirus software employ various security measures, such as executable signing, access controls, and sandboxing, to mitigate these risks.

File Extensions and Types

Different operating systems support different executable file types and extensions. Some of the common ones include:

• .EXE - Standard executable file format on Windows.
• .APP - Application bundle on macOS.
• .BIN - Often used for executable files in Linux and other Unix-like systems.
• .BAT - Batch file for Windows, which contains a series of commands to be executed by the command-line interpreter.
• .SH - Shell script for Unix-like systems.
• .JAR - Java ARchive, which contains Java classes and metadata that can be executed on any system with Java installed.

See Also

• Computer program
• Software
• Operating system
• Malware
• File extension