Lexicon Entry
Relocation
A record in an object file that tells the linker to patch an instruction or data reference with the correct address once the final layout is determined.
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
Dynamic Linking & Relocations: How the GOT and PLT Work
How does code call functions that aren't there yet? We dive deep into the Global Offset Table (GOT), Procedure Linkage Table (PLT), and the lazy binding dance.