A disassembler is a software tool that translates machine code, which is the low-level code executed by a computer's processor, back into a more human-readable assembly language. This process helps programmers and security analysts understand how a program operates, making it easier to debug or analyze for vulnerabilities. Disassemblers are commonly used in reverse engineering, allowing developers to study existing software without access to the original source code. Disassemblers often work alongside other tools, such as debuggers and decompilers, to provide a comprehensive view of a program's functionality. They can be essential in cybersecurity for identifying malicious code or understanding how malware operates. Popular disassemblers include IDA Pro and Ghidra, which offer various features to assist in the analysis process.