Linker (computing)

An illustration of the linking process. Object files and static libraries are assembled into a new library or executable

A linker or link editor is a computer program that combines intermediate software build files such as object and library files into a single executable file such a program or library. A linker is often part of a toolchain that includes a compiler and/or assembler that generates intermediate files that the linker processes. The linker may be integrated with other toolchain tools such that the user does not interact with the linker directly.

A simpler version that writes its output directly to memory is called the loader, though loading is typically considered a separate process.^[1]^[2]

^ Cite error: The named reference IBM_1972 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ Cite error: The named reference Barron_1978_Consolidator was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[IBM_1972-1] Cite error: The named reference IBM_1972 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[Barron_1978_Consolidator-2] Cite error: The named reference Barron_1978_Consolidator was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[1]

[2]

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.

Linker (computing)

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.