GNU ld
GNU ld is the GNU linker, a command-line tool that combines object files and libraries into a single executable or shared library. It resolves symbol references, performs relocation, and manages memory layout during the compilation process. It is a core component of the GNU toolchain, widely used in C, C++, and other compiled language development.
Developers should learn GNU ld when working on low-level systems programming, embedded development, or building custom toolchains, as it provides fine-grained control over linking and memory mapping. It is essential for optimizing binary size, managing symbol visibility, and handling platform-specific linking requirements in projects like operating systems, bootloaders, and performance-critical applications.