What does object code represent?

Object code represents source code that has been translated into a low-level form, which is typically binary or machine language that a computer's processor can execute directly. This transformation occurs during the compilation or assembly process, where high-level programming constructs are converted into a format that the machine understands.

The advantage of object code is that it allows for faster execution since it's already in a form that the computer can process without the need for further translation. It retains the logic of the original high-level code but is optimized for performance and compatibility with the hardware.

In programming, this step is essential because it bridges the gap between human-readable source code and the machine operations that perform tasks. This enables developers to create complex programs that can run efficiently on various computer architectures.

Other choices, such as human-readable code or code used for algorithms, do not correctly describe object code. Additionally, while object code can be specific to an operating system, the defining characteristic is its low-level representation of source code rather than its association with a specific environment.