why is object file called so?

Hi

I understand that object file is created before the executable. But why is object file called so? Why not simply, say, pre-executable file? What does the word "Object" signify? Please let me know. Thanks.

Why do you care? If you were around when the decision made I guess we would be calling them "pre-executable" files. Look, all of the history of computer programming can be found very easily online, take a look at wikipedia. Please don't flood the boards, specifically the programming ones with these types of questions.

Here's what I found in wikipedia.