Why is it important to compile source code into an executable file before running a program?

Converting source code into an executable file before running a program is important because a computer does not understand source code directly — it only understands machine code, which consists of instructions understandable by the processor.

This process is called compilation or interpretation (depending on the language and environment). In Flutter, for example, Dart code is compiled into native code for a specific platform (Android, iOS), which ensures high performance and fast application startup.

Without converting source code into an executable file, the program cannot be run, as the operating system cannot execute text instructions directly.