decompile
Reverse software translation
To decompile is to convert compiled computer code back into a human-readable form.
Software is typically written in languages programmers can read, then compiled into machine code that computers can execute.
Decompiling reverses this process, though the result rarely matches the original source exactly: We decompiled the executable to understand how it worked.
The practice exists in a legal gray area—sometimes used for legitimate reverse engineering, sometimes to circumvent copy protection.
Binary-to-assembly translator
- binaryConsisting of two parts
- executableDirectly runnable program file
- bytecodeCompiled platform-neutral instructions
- machine-codeProcessor-executable binary instructions
Compiled platform-neutral instructions
- high-levelAbstract, not detailed
- abstractionDistilling to essential qualities
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- pseudocodeInformal algorithm representation
readable · reconstruction · restoration · retrieval · structure · syntax · semantics · functions
Error removal from programs
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
- examinationMethodical assessment or review
- understandingMental comprehension of something
- interpretationAssigned meaning
flowchart · logic · functionality · structure · algorithm · optimization · scrutiny · investigation
Programming language from Sun
Analyzing something to recreate it
- infringementViolation of rights
- DMCADigital copyright protection law
- EULASoftware license abbreviation
- proprietaryLegally owned, restricted use
disassembler
Binary-to-assembly translator
- binaryConsisting of two parts
- executableDirectly runnable program file
- bytecodeCompiled platform-neutral instructions
machine-code · assembly-language · reconstruction · static-analysis
bytecode
Compiled platform-neutral instructions
- high-levelAbstract, not detailed
- abstractionDistilling to essential qualities
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
pseudocode · readable · reconstruction · restoration · retrieval · structure · syntax · semantics · functions · variables
debugging
Error removal from programs
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
- examinationMethodical assessment or review
- understandingMental comprehension of something
interpretation · flowchart · logic · functionality · structure · algorithm · optimization · scrutiny · investigation
Java
Programming language from Sun
reverse-engineering
Analyzing something to recreate it
- infringementViolation of rights
- DMCADigital copyright protection law
- EULASoftware license abbreviation
proprietary · copyright · interoperability · licensing · circumvention