What does recompile mean?
Recompile means to compile something again. Its most common modern use is in computing: programmers recompile software after changing source code, updating a library, or changing build settings so that the resulting program reflects those changes. The word also has a broader, less frequent meaning of assembling material again or putting it together in a revised form. In technical writing, it is normally used as a transitive verb, as in “recompile the program” or “recompile from source.” It is distinct from rebuilding, which can refer to many kinds of reconstruction, and from decompiling, which works in the opposite direction by converting machine code into a more human-readable form. Recompile is especially associated with software maintenance, development, embedded systems, and operating-system workflows.
To compile source code or another form of translated material again, usually after a change has been made.
"The developer recompiled the project to include the latest security patch."
The technical use is common in programming, software maintenance, and operating-system contexts.
To assemble or bring together material again in a revised or more complete form.
"She recompiled the scattered notes into a single reference guide."
This broader sense is less common and is somewhat more formal than the computing sense.
In software development, a small source-code change can require recompiling an entire project.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recompile come from?
Recompile was formed in English by combining the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with compile. Compile comes through Middle English compilen from Latin compilare, “to plunder” or “to gather together,” and originally referred to assembling information into a book or collection. The modern computing sense of compiling developed later, while recompile follows the ordinary English pattern of prefixing a verb with re- to indicate repetition.
Related word forms
How recompile is actually used
In computing, the term is usually transitive and refers specifically to compiling code or software. Outside technical contexts, its broader sense is less common and can sound formal.
Easily confused with recompile
Rebuilding generally means constructing or recreating something, whereas recompiling specifically means compiling source code or translated material again.
Decompiling converts compiled machine code back into a more readable form, while recompiling converts source code into an executable form again.