Static Libraries
Static libraries are collections of precompiled object code files that are linked directly into an executable program at compile time, becoming part of the final binary. They provide reusable functions and code modules that developers can incorporate into their applications without needing to distribute separate runtime files. This linking process resolves external references and embeds the library code, resulting in a standalone executable.
Developers should use static libraries when they need to create self-contained, portable applications that don't require external dependencies at runtime, which is common in embedded systems, command-line tools, or when distributing software to users with varied environments. They're also useful for performance-critical applications since the linking occurs at compile time, potentially allowing for better optimization compared to dynamic linking.