Compile

Definition

Compile refers to the act of gathering or collecting information, data, or materials from various sources and organizing them into a single document or collection. In computing, it specifically refers to the process of translating source code written in a programming language into machine code that can be executed by a computer.

Parts of Speech

• Verb (to gather or collect information or materials)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəmˈpaɪl/
• Respelling: kuhm-PIEL

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəmˈpaɪl/
• Respelling: kuhm-PIEL

Etymology

The word "compile" comes from the Latin word "compilare," which means "to plunder or heap up." It is a combination of "com-" (together) and "pilare" (to gather or pillage). The term was originally used to describe the act of collecting writings or materials.

Derivatives

• Compilation (noun)
• Compiler (noun)
• Compiling (verb/adjective)
• Precompile (verb)
• Compiled (adjective)

Synonyms

• Assemble
• Gather
• Collect

Antonyms

• Disperse
• Distribute
• Separate

Usage

The word "compile" is commonly used in both general and technical contexts. In everyday language, it refers to the act of gathering or organizing information, as in "She compiled a list of sources for her research." In computing, it refers to the process of converting source code into executable code, as in "The programmer compiled the code to check for errors."

Related Terms

• Compilation: The process of collecting information or materials.
• Assembler: A program that converts assembly language code into machine code.
• Linker: A tool that links compiled code with libraries to create an executable program.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To gather or collect information from various sources: Refers to the act of assembling data, materials, or information into a single collection or document.
  • Example: "The team compiled the survey results into a comprehensive report."
• To convert source code into machine-executable code (in computing): Refers to the process of translating programming language into machine-readable instructions.
  • Example: "The developer compiled the code to ensure it ran without errors."