What is a key feature of compiled programming languages such as C++ and COBOL?

A key feature of compiled programming languages like C++ and COBOL is that they convert human-readable instructions into machine code. This process, known as compilation, involves translating high-level source code written by programmers into a low-level binary format that a computer's processor can execute directly. This compilation step is crucial because it allows the program to run efficiently on the hardware without the need for real-time interpretation.

Compiled languages generally produce an executable file, which can be run multiple times without the need for recompilation unless changes are made to the source code. This differs from interpreted languages, where each line of code is translated and executed on-the-fly, making them generally slower in execution compared to compiled languages.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics of compiled languages. For instance, they do not automatically execute code as it is written; execution requires a separate compilation step. Compiled languages do not inherently require network access for execution; they can run locally if the necessary executable is available on the machine. Lastly, while they may utilize memory for storing instructions and data, they do not specifically rely on dynamic memory storage in the manner suggested.