Shared Libraries
Shared libraries are collections of precompiled code and resources that multiple programs can use simultaneously, reducing redundancy and improving efficiency in software development. They are loaded into memory at runtime, allowing applications to share common functionality without embedding it directly into each executable. This concept is fundamental in operating systems like Linux (with .so files) and Windows (with .dll files) for modular programming.
Developers should learn and use shared libraries to create modular, maintainable, and resource-efficient applications, especially in large-scale projects where code reuse is critical. They are essential for reducing binary size, enabling easy updates without recompiling entire applications, and facilitating interoperability between different software components. Use cases include system-level programming, plugin architectures, and cross-platform development where common utilities are shared across multiple executables.