The Runtime Theory

How From Source Files to a Running Program works

An interactive concept flow for from source files to a running program, from its assumptions through the main operation and boundary checks.

The Runtime Theory Team05 stages

trace / request.md

CONTRACTREPRESENTATIONOPERATIONBOUNDARYRESULT

readyA build turns source text and dependencies into an executable representation through distinct stages. A compiler typically parses and checks source, translates it to an intermediate or machine representation, and emits object files. A linker resolves references across those objects and libraries to produce a loadable program.

Use the stages in order to explain from source files to a running program. Each stage makes one assumption visible: what the operation promises, what representation it uses, how state changes, which boundary can invalidate a shortcut, and what evidence confirms the result.

For a worked explanation, continue to the topic article and execution trace.

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