What phase occurs last in the execution of a C++ program?

The last phase in the execution of a C++ program is the execute phase. In this context, execution refers to the actual running of the compiled program by the computer's processor.

To elaborate on the process:

1. Compile: The source code is translated into machine code by the compiler. This is the first step in the transformation of the high-level code into a format that can be understood by the computer.

2. Link: After compilation, the linking phase occurs. This involves combining the compiled code with libraries and other modules required for the program to run. The output of this step is an executable file.

3. Load: Next, the loader takes the executable file and loads it into memory, preparing it for execution by the system.

4. Execute: Finally, during the execute phase, the computer's CPU runs the instructions in the program. This is where the program does what it was intended to do according to the logic defined in the code.

Understanding this sequence helps clarify that execution is the ultimate goal of compiling and linking a program, and thus it indeed comes last in the overall process of running a C++ program.