Final answer:
A computer must convert program instructions into machine language before execution. Machine language is the binary code a computer processes directly. Other forms such as assembly, high-level, or source code require translation into machine language.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before a computer can execute any program instruction, it must convert the instruction into a binary code known as machine language. The machine language is the only language a computer can process directly without a previous translation. In short, all other forms of programming languages, whether it is assembly language, high-level language, or source code, must be translated into machine language before the computer can execute the instructions.
At the physical level, what happens in a computer is essentially a series of electronic changes. From an engineer's point of view, these are the circuits being activated and deactivated. On the other hand, from a programmer's perspective, which we refer to as the design level, it's about running programs. Finally, at the commonsense level, which is how most users see it, a computer is performing tasks like word processing or solving equations.