Machine language, also known as object code or machine code, is a collection of binary digits put together for a computer to read and interpret. Several commonly used programming languages are ultimately translated into machine language for computers to understand. For instance, Java, C++, or Visual Basic are used to write computer programs.

However, computers cannot directly decipher these languages, so they compile them into program code. Once the program code is compiled, it can be understood by the computer because it has been translated into machine language. The specific machine language a computer uses for an action or program depends on the operating system. Operating systems decide the method to be used by compilers to write actions or programs into machine language.