Linking
Linking is the process of combining multiple object files and libraries into a single executable program or shared library. It resolves external references between modules, assigns final memory addresses to code and data, and prepares the program for execution. This fundamental compilation step bridges the gap between compiled code and a runnable application.
Developers must understand linking when building multi-file projects, using external libraries, or debugging complex build systems. It's essential for optimizing binary size, managing dependencies, and troubleshooting errors like undefined symbols or version conflicts. Knowledge of linking is particularly valuable in systems programming, embedded development, and performance-critical applications.