Which statement describes a compiled language?

A compiled language is characterized by a process where its source code is translated in its entirety by a compiler into a low-level, machine-specific executable file. This compilation step must be completed before the program can be run. The resulting executable file can then be executed directly by the computer's central processing unit (CPU). This contrasts with interpreted languages, which are executed line-by-line by an interpreter program at runtime.

A. This statement accurately describes an interpreted language, where an interpreter program executes code directly without a prior compilation step.

B. This describes static typing, a language feature concerning variable type checking, which is separate from the compilation vs. interpretation mechanism.

C. This is a characteristic of an interpreted language, which can be run immediately without being converted into a separate executable file.

1. Aho, A. V., Lam, M. S., Sethi, R., & Ullman, J. D. (2007). Compilers: Principles, Techniques, & Tools (2nd ed.). Pearson/Addison Wesley. Chapter 1, Section 1.1, "Language Processors", pp. 1-2. This text defines a compiler as a program that translates source code into a target program, such as machine code.

2. Sebesta, R. W. (2019). Concepts of Programming Languages (12th ed.). Pearson. Chapter 1, Section 1.7, "Programming Environments", pp. 31-32. This section details the compilation process where source code is translated into machine language before execution.