Decompiler

A decompiler is a programming tool that translates an executable file back into high-level source code. It performs the reverse of a compiler, which converts high-level code into machine code. Unlike a disassembler, which produces assembly language, a decompiler reconstructs higher-level representations resembling languages such as C. It generally cannot reproduce original source code exactly because compilation discards information including variable names, comments, types, and parts of program structure.

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Instance of

Software category

Primary function

Translates executable files into high-level source code

Limitation

Cannot usually reproduce the original source code exactly