Bytecode

Alternatively called intermediate code, bytecode is compiled programming code that targets a virtual machine rather than a specific computer architecture. Bytecode allows a single compiled binary to run and perform with almost native efficiency on a diverse array of platforms.

Examples

In Java, bytecode compilation is used to "compile once, run anywhere." Compiled Java programs run on any computer with a Java virtual machine installed.

Languages that compile to bytecode include the following.

• Java
• Clojure
• Lua
• Lisp
• Python
• Ruby

Assembly language, Compiler, Opcode, P-code, Programming terms