Linkers, Loaders and Use of Libraries

Question 1

Linkers

Answer 1

This is a piece of software that is responsible for​ linking external modules and libraries included within the code​

Question 2

dynamic linker

Answer 2

Addresses of modules and libraries​ are included in the file where they are referenced. When the program is run, the loader retrieves the program at the specified address so it can be executed.

The advantage here is that​ files remain small​ and​ external updates feed through to the main file​; there is no need to rewrite the code.

Question 3

static linker

Answer 3

Modules and libraries are ​added directly​ into the main file. This ​increases the size of the file​. Any updates to modules and libraries externally will not affect the program. This means a specific version of a library can be used.

Question 4

Loaders

Answer 4

Loaders are programs provided by the operating system. When a file is executed, the l​oader retrieves the library or subroutine from the given memory location​.

Question 5

Use of Libraries

Answer 5

Libraries are ​pre-compiled programs ​which can be incorporated within other programs
using either static or dynamic linking. They are ​ready-to-use and error free​, so ​save time developing and testing modules. Another advantage of libraries is that they ​can be reused within multiple programs.

save programmers from having to ‘reinvent the wheel’