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Decompiler
Last Updated: December 19, 2011
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
