Decompiler

Definition - What does Decompiler mean?

A decompiler is a programming tool that converts an executable program or low-level/machine language into a format understandable to software programmers. It performs theoperations of a compiler, which translates source code into an executable format, but in reverse. A decompiler’s recipient is a human user, whereas the compiler’s is the machine.

Techopedia explains Decompiler

A decompiler, like a disassembler, works via reverse engineering. The decompiler translates a compiled code or an executable file into high-level code.

A decompiler can be useful in some cases for the following purposes:

  • Recovery of lost source code to archive or maintain the code
  • Debugging programs
  • Antivirus capability to find vulnerabilities in the program
  • Interoperability to facilitate migration of a program across platforms

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