1.2.2 libraries

Question 1

what are libraries?

Answer 1

libraries are pre tested and compiled programs that run when needed

Question 2

What are the benefits of libraries?

Answer 2

• efficient: they pre written so save effort and time.
• reliable: as the codes are tested and optimised.
• reusable: same library can be used more than one in same and different codes.

Question 3

What are the drawbacks of libraries?

Answer 3

• you have to trust the developer to maintain the library.
• using a large library for s smaller task increase the size of the code and make it unoptimised.

Question 4

what is a linker?

Answer 4

combine different object files and libraries into an executable file.

Question 5

state the types of linkers

Answer 5

• static
• dynamic

Question 6

different between static and dynamic libraries?

Answer 6

static: libraries and object files are combined at compile time, creating larger executable file.
dynamic: libraries are combined with object files at run time, allowing for more flexibility but requiring libraries to be present during execution.

Question 7

what are loaders?

Answer 7

system tools that load executable files into main memory to be run by the os.