Lexicon Entry
Linker
A linker is a tool that takes one or more object files generated by a compiler and combines them into a single executable program or library. It resolves symbols and performs address relocation.
Related Knowledge & Cross-References
Guide
Linker Explained: How Object Files Become Executables (Static & LTO)
Learn how the linker transforms object files into executables. Explore symbol resolution, relocation records, static vs dynamic linking, and Link-Time Optimization with real readelf and nm examples.
Guide
How a C Program Becomes Machine Code: The C Compilation Process Explained
Trace the complete C compilation process from source code to executable binary. See each stage — preprocessing, compilation, assembly, and linking — with real GCC and Clang output across x86-64 and ARM64.