Which term refers to a set of symbols that can be interpreted by a computer or software?

The chosen answer, code, is accurate because it encompasses a wide range of symbols and instructions that computers can interpret to perform specific tasks or operations. In programming and software development, "code" generally refers to combinations of syntactic symbols, which include letters, numbers, and special characters, arranged according to the rules of a particular programming language. This code can be compiled or interpreted by a computer, enabling it to execute the desired functions.

While terms like binary code specify a particular representation of data in a computer environment (using only 0s and 1s), they are not as broad or general. Script refers specifically to a set of instructions written in a scripting language, which is a subset of code, but does not represent the entire spectrum of coding languages or formats. An algorithm, on the other hand, is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or completing a task, rather than the actual symbols or language used to implement that procedure; it serves more as a conceptual framework than a direct form of computable instruction. Thus, "code" effectively captures the essence of what is being described in the question.