Western Governors University (WGU) ICSC2211 D684 Introduction to Computer Science Practice Test

The primary purpose of a compiler is to translate source code written in a high-level programming language into machine code, which is the low-level code that the computer's processor can execute directly. This translation process is crucial because it allows programmers to write code in a format that is more understandable for humans while ensuring that it can be converted into instructions that the machine can understand and execute efficiently.

By converting high-level code into machine code, a compiler enables the performance optimization and error-checking capabilities necessary for building reliable software. This process involves tasks such as lexical analysis, syntax analysis, semantic analysis, and code generation, which are essential for producing an executable program from the source code.

The other options, while related to programming or computing tasks, do not accurately describe the primary function of a compiler. Organizing files and directories is a function of file management rather than compilation. Creating graphical user interfaces involves different tools and frameworks that are independent of the compilation process. Executing code line by line describes the operation of an interpreter, which directly executes the code without compiling it into machine language first.