Compile Time Linking vs Runtime Linking
Developers should use compile time linking when they need to create standalone executables that do not rely on external libraries being present on the target system, improving portability and reducing runtime overhead meets developers should learn runtime linking for building modular and extensible software, such as applications with plugin architectures, games with mod support, or systems requiring hot-swappable components. Here's our take.
Compile Time Linking
Developers should use compile time linking when they need to create standalone executables that do not rely on external libraries being present on the target system, improving portability and reducing runtime overhead
Compile Time Linking
Nice PickDevelopers should use compile time linking when they need to create standalone executables that do not rely on external libraries being present on the target system, improving portability and reducing runtime overhead
Pros
- +It is particularly useful for distributing applications in environments where library versions might vary or for performance-critical systems where minimizing startup time is essential
- +Related to: c-programming, c-plus-plus
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
Runtime Linking
Developers should learn runtime linking for building modular and extensible software, such as applications with plugin architectures, games with mod support, or systems requiring hot-swappable components
Pros
- +It is essential in scenarios where code needs to be updated or loaded on-demand, like in web servers handling dynamic modules or mobile apps downloading features post-installation, as it improves flexibility and resource efficiency
- +Related to: dynamic-link-library, shared-object
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
The Verdict
Use Compile Time Linking if: You want it is particularly useful for distributing applications in environments where library versions might vary or for performance-critical systems where minimizing startup time is essential and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.
Use Runtime Linking if: You prioritize it is essential in scenarios where code needs to be updated or loaded on-demand, like in web servers handling dynamic modules or mobile apps downloading features post-installation, as it improves flexibility and resource efficiency over what Compile Time Linking offers.
Developers should use compile time linking when they need to create standalone executables that do not rely on external libraries being present on the target system, improving portability and reducing runtime overhead
Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev