What does the process of compilation involve?

The process of compilation primarily involves converting source code, which is written in a high-level programming language, into machine language, or object code, that a computer's processor can execute. This transformation is essential because computer hardware can only understand instructions in its native machine language, which consists of binary code. The compilation process enables developers to write code in a more human-readable language while still allowing the computer to perform tasks efficiently.

The other processes mentioned, such as debugging or running a program directly from the source code, do not pertain to compiling. Debugging refers to identifying and correcting errors in code, while running a program directly from source code usually involves an interpreter rather than a compiler. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the role of the compilation process within software development.