FC0-U71 Applications and Software Practice Question
A developer is writing a program in C++. The source code needs to be translated into machine code before execution. Which process is required?
⚠ Common exam trap
FC0-U71 often tests the distinction between compilation and interpretation. Candidates might choose interpretation because they think all code is interpreted, but C++ is compiled. Also, linking is sometimes confused with compilation, but linking is a separate step after compilation.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
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Compilation
Compilation is the process required to translate C++ source code into machine code before execution. The compiler converts the high-level code into an executable format.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Interpretation
Why it's wrong here
Interpretation executes source line by line at runtime without producing machine code, so it cannot satisfy C++'s compile-then-execute requirement. It is tempting because interpreted languages also run programs, but interpretation would be correct for languages such as Python or JavaScript, not compiled C++.
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Linking
Why it's wrong here
Linking resolves symbols and combines object files into an executable, but it happens after compilation has already produced machine code from source. It is tempting because it is part of the build toolchain, yet linking would be correct for joining compiled modules and libraries, not translating C++ source itself.
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Compilation
Why this is correct
Compilation translates C++ source code into machine code before execution, producing an executable binary. C++ is a compiled language, so a compiler performs lexical analysis, optimisation and code generation, unlike interpretation which executes source line by line at runtime.
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Debugging
Why it's wrong here
Debugging locates and fixes defects in existing code; it neither translates source into machine code nor is required before execution. It is tempting because it is a routine development activity, but debugging would be correct when diagnosing runtime faults or crashes, not for the translation step itself.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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