A . . . . . . . . is a file that contains program instructions called code.

Source file
Object file
Executable file
Program file

The correct answer is: A. Source file

A source file is a file that contains program instructions called code. It is written in a programming language that is understandable by humans. The code in a source file is then compiled into an object file, which is a file that contains machine code that can be executed by the computer.

An object file is a file that contains machine code that can be executed by the computer. It is created by compiling a source file. The machine code in an object file is not directly executable by the computer. It must first be linked with other object files and libraries to create an executable file.

An executable file is a file that contains machine code that can be directly executed by the computer. It is created by linking object files and libraries. The machine code in an executable file is ready to be executed by the computer’s processor.

A program file is a file that contains program instructions called code. It can be a source file, an object file, or an executable file.