To build error-free and efficient computer software, it first needs to be written in a high-level language. In C, to build computer software that is ready to run in computer/machine, firstly the source code is prepared/written. The source code written is then compiled by the C compiler and the object files are produced. The Linker then combines those object files and library modules into an executable file. The executable file is then ready to run into a computer/machine. This process can be explained by the following diagram.

Let's have a look at, how compiler and interpreter are different.