Linker
A linker is a system software tool that combines multiple object files generated by a compiler into a single executable program, library, or another object file. It resolves symbolic references between these files, assigns final memory addresses to code and data, and performs relocation to adjust addresses based on the final memory layout. This process is essential for creating runnable software from compiled code.
Developers should learn about linkers when working with compiled languages like C, C++, or Rust to understand how programs are assembled and to debug linking errors such as undefined symbols or duplicate definitions. It's crucial for optimizing build processes, managing dependencies in large projects, and creating shared libraries or executables that run efficiently on target systems.