Method and apparatus for selective post-compile conversion of data protocol-specific source code elements to restore the intended functionality of the source code without requiring precompilation alteration of the latter. Byte-ordering dependent source code issues may be addressed using the current invention, possibly requiring the alteration, deletion and/or addition of one or more instructions to the post-compile output. Invention may enable portability of software programs from a first processor platform and OS to a second environment such as a second hardware and OS or a simulated, emulated or virtualized environment representing a second hardware architecture, by compiling the software program source code according to the second environment and selectively converting the data protocol specific code elements in the object/executable file, produced by the aforementioned compilation, to restore their intended functionality.