Linkers, loaders and libraries

Question 1

What is a library?

Answer 1

Precompiled, pre-tested sets of code which contain routines available to the programmer. Including or adding a reference to the library makes them available to use.

Question 2

What is a linker?

Answer 2

Include links to any library code needed and place into the executable.

Question 3

What is static linking?

Answer 3

All code required is included directly into the finished compiled program, this results in large programs.

Question 4

What is dynamic linking?

Answer 4

Compiled versions of the library are stored by the computer, and the OS links code required directly into the programs when run. This cuts down on the size of the compiled program.

Question 5

What is a loader?

Answer 5

Includes/loads programs into memory ready for use