What is the name of the file that contains the source code of a program?

The term that refers to the file containing the source code of a program is "source file." This file typically contains human-readable code written in a programming language, such as C, C++, Java, or Python, which can be compiled or interpreted to create an executable program.

Source files are essential for software development, as they allow programmers to write and modify the code that defines how a program functions. Once the code in the source file is finalized, it can undergo a compilation process (in languages that require it), transforming it into machine code that can be executed by a computer.

In contrast, an executable file is the end product generated after compiling the source code; it comprises machine code and is not human-readable. A binary file also contains data in a format that is not directly readable by humans, typically representing compiled programs or structured data. A script file, while it can be a type of source file specifically for interpreted languages, does not encompass all source files in general. Therefore, "source file" accurately encapsulates the concept of a file that contains the original code developers write.