The --------------------- creates object code and stores it on disk.a.Interpreterb.Compilerc.Preprocessord.Loader

The correct answer is b. Compiler.

Explanation:

A compiler is a special program that translates source code written in a high-level programming language into machine code, or object code, which can then be executed by the computer's processor. This object code is stored on disk for later execution.

Here's a brief overview of the other options for clarity:

1. Interpreter: This translates high-level programming language code into machine code, but it does this on-the-fly (line by line) at runtime, rather than creating a standalone object code file on disk.

2. Preprocessor: This is a tool that processes the source code before it is compiled, handling directives such as including files or macro substitutions, but it does not produce object code.

3. Loader: This is responsible for loading the compiled code (object code) into memory for execution, but it does not create the object code.

In summary, the compiler is the component that creates object code and stores it on disk.