Compile
From polycount
Programmers have to convert source code, written in a high-level language such as C, into object code (typically Assembly language), so that a microprocessor can run the program.
This is similar to the process artists go thru in order to create game art. We create textures in Photoshop, saving them in PSD format, then we convert them down to the appropriate bitmap format for use in the game.
However, it can take a long time for programmers to compile their code, like overnight or a couple days, depending on the complexity.
