What Is Bytecode?
Bytecode is an intermediate instruction set, lower level than source code but not tied to a specific CPU, that a compiler emits for a virtual machine to run. The virtual machine interprets the bytecode or compiles it further at runtime. This lets the same compiled program run anywhere the virtual machine is available.
Why it matters
Bytecode gives portability across platforms and a stable target for compilers, while leaving final execution to a virtual machine. It is the distribution format for many managed languages.
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