Source code is the human-readable set of instructions written by a programmer in a specific programming language, such as C++, Java, or Python. It is the foundation of software applications, games, websites, and programs, and it dictates how the program functions. Source code is typically written using text editors or integrated development environments (IDEs), and it consists of statements, functions, classes, variables, and other constructs that define the behavior of the application.

Definition: Source code is the human-readable set of instructions written by a programmer using a programming language. It is the original code before being compiled or interpreted.

Once the source code is written, it is typically compiled or interpreted into machine code that a computer can execute. However, before that, source code is often reviewed, tested, and debugged to ensure it works as expected. This makes source code a vital component in the software development lifecycle. It is essential for developers to write clean, maintainable, and well-documented source code so that other developers can understand and collaborate on the project with ease.

def greet():
    print("Hello, World!")

In addition to being the core of any software program, source code also plays a significant role in software version control. Tools like Git are used to manage changes in the source code, allowing developers to track revisions, collaborate on projects, and revert to previous versions if necessary. Open-source software projects are a prime example of how source code can be shared with the public, enabling a global community of developers to contribute, improve, and maintain the software.