pipeline

Note the following four processes encompass compile time.

1. Preprocessing: The preprocessor handles directives such as #include and #define. This produces a translation unit ready for compilation.
2. Compilation: The compiler translates the preprocessed code into assembly language or intermediate machine code (object files with .o or .obj extensions).
3. Assembly: The assembler converts the assembly code into binary machine code.
4. Linking: The linker combines all object files and libraries to produce a single executable program.