What are Software Binaries?

Overview of Software Binaries

Software development revolves around transforming human-readable source code into executable files that a computer can process. These executed files are known as software binaries. Understanding the distinction and relationship between source code and binaries is critical for anyone involved in the software supply chain, particularly for professionals managing and securing software applications.

What are binaries in software?

Software binaries are the machine-readable, compiled output of source code, forming the core executable components of any application. The binaries themselves are comprised of binary instructions consisting of zeros and ones that the computer’s processor executes directly.

Difference between binaries and source code

The fundamental difference between source code and binaries lies in their format and purpose. Source code is human-readable, containing high-level programming language instructions based on programming languages such as C++, Java, Python and other, that define the application’s logic. This is what developers write and edit which is then processed by a compiler or interpreter to create an executable file.

In contrast, binaries are the computer-executable, machine-readable output of the source code, often referred to as the “build”. They represent the actual, runnable version of the application that end-users ultimately interact with.

Common types of software binaries

Software binaries encompass several file types that serve different purposes in the execution and deployment of an application:

• Executable Files (.exe, .bin): These are the primary files used to start an application on various operating systems.
• Libraries (.dll, .so, .jar): These are reusable, compiled code modules that provide specific functionalities, which applications rely on to operate. They are frequently external dependencies.
• Object Files (.o, .obj): These are intermediate binary files created during compilation that are linked together to create the final executable file.
• Container Images: These complex binary packages bundle the application’s binaries, configuration files, and all its dependencies, along with an operating system environment. The widespread adoption of containers is largely driven by the industry’s shift from cumbersome monolithic architectures to agile microservices. Containers provide the ideal lightweight and isolated environments necessary to efficiently develop, deploy, and scale these numerous, independent components..

How are Software Binaries Used?

Binaries are the transportable products of the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC), serving as the essential and final components required for deploying applications into production.

Deployment of software binaries in applications

The main use of a software binary is its deployment into a production environment for end-user access. In today’s software development environments, especially those built on microservices architecture, binaries are often packaged into container images and deployed onto orchestration platforms like Kubernetes.

The deployment process typically involves a Continuous Delivery (CD) or Continuous Deployment pipeline (CI/CD) that automates the promotion of the validated binary package from testing stages into the live environment. The binary itself contains all the compiled code necessary for the application to function correctly on the target system.

Role of binaries in software development and distribution

Binaries are pivotal in maintaining efficiency and integrity across the SDLC:

• Consistency and Portability: A binary is the package that bundles the application’s executable code and its explicit dependencies. This ensures consistent application behavior across diverse execution environments, solving common deployment problems.
• Artifact Management: As types of software artifacts , binaries are stored and managed in a Binary Repository Manager , which acts as a centralized storage location for all compiled outputs. This is foundational for effective package management , making software components traceable, accessible, and version-controlled.
• Security: Securing binaries is essential for Application Security (AppSec) , as a compromised binary can introduce malicious code and lead to breaches. Security mandates checking the integrity and validating the provenance of every binary to ensure it originates from trusted, secure sources.

Examples of binary usage in various programming languages

The format in which binaries appear varies based on the programming language and the intended execution environment:

• Java: The output is typically a .jar file, which is a compressed archive containing compiled Java bytecode (.class files). This bytecode is then interpreted by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
• C/C++/Go: These languages are compiled directly into native machine code executables (e.g., .exe files on Windows or ELF files on Linux) by a compiler.
• .NET: Packages are frequently distributed as NuGet packages, which are compressed files containing compiled .dll assemblies and associated metadata.
• Containers: A Docker container image is a robust binary artifact that bundles the compiled application binaries, all dependencies, and the essential configurations, allowing it to run reliably on any system with a container runtime.

How to Manage Software Binaries

Effective software binary management is paramount for modern DevOps and security practices. It requires specialized tools and disciplined procedures to maintain security, version consistency, and efficient software delivery.

Here are some best practices for storing and versioning binaries that are vital for both security and operational efficiency:

• Single Source of Truth: This is crucial as it ensures that all development teams and deployment pipelines are utilizing the definitive, approved versions of software artifacts. This eradicates ambiguity regarding which version of a binary is current and correct.
• Centralized Repository: All binaries and related artifacts must be stored in a centralized Software Artifact Repository like a Binary Repository Manager rather than a Source Control system. This provides a single, authoritative repository for all versions, preventing conflicts and drift.
• Immutable Releases: Once a binary is built, tested, and promoted for release, it must be treated as immutable (unchangeable). Any necessary modification requires a new build and a new, unique version to ensure consistency and traceability.
• Comprehensive Metadata: Detailed metadata must be captured with every binary, linking it back to the exact source code, developer, build parameters, and full list of dependencies. This provenance is critical for both compliance and vulnerability management.
• Security Scanning: Every binary should be scanned for Software Composition Analysis (SCA) vulnerabilities, specifically checking for known risks in third-party and open-source components before promotion or distribution.

Tools and Solutions for Binary Management

Specialized tools automate the process of managing binaries throughout the SDLC. Effective management of binaries deeply impacts the speed, quality, and security of the entire software delivery process, providing:

• Enhanced Security: Centralizing and scanning binaries prevents the use of vulnerable components, supporting Application Security (AppSec) by ensuring that security checks occur on the definitive, compiled artifact.
• Improved Reproducibility and Traceability: Storing versioned binaries along with full metadata guarantees that the exact software that passed testing can be reliably replicated and deployed, drastically simplifying troubleshooting.
• Faster Deployment: Centralized repositories and automated management streamline the continuous integration and delivery process, eliminating delays associated with fragmented artifact management and ensuring continuous, high-quality releases.

How JFrog Integrates Binaries into a Trusted Software Supply Chain

The JFrog Platform manages and secures binaries and serves as the single source of truth for all software artifacts

The real challenge for today’s DevOps professionals is managing the ever-increasing volume and complexity of binaries and their open-source dependencies while maintaining rapid release cycles. If these binaries are not centrally controlled and continuously scanned, organizations face enormous operational risks and potential security vulnerabilities.

Management and security of binaries is at the core of the JFrog Platform.

The JFrog Platform addresses this by providing a unified approach to the entire software supply chain. JFrog Artifactory, the universal binary repository manager , serves as the central single source of truth for all binaries and packages, effectively eliminating chaotic, fragmented repositories.

JFrog delivers value by enabling:

• Universal Artifact Management: Artifactory supports all major package formats, providing a consistent, single access point for developers to resolve dependencies.
• Integrated Binary Security: JFrog Xray is natively integrated to perform deep, recursive Software Composition Analysis (SCA) directly on the binaries and their transitive dependencies, shifting left to the earliest possible point in the development process.
• Full Provenance and Traceability: The platform captures granular metadata, enabling organizations to generate a full Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) and ensure traceability for every binary, a necessity for fast security incident response and compliance.

For more information on how you can take control over the software binaries in your organization, please take a virtual tour,  set up a one-on-one demo or start a free trial at your convenience.