Static Linking
Static linking is a method of linking libraries into an executable program at compile time, where the library code is copied directly into the final binary. This creates a standalone executable that does not require external library files at runtime, as all dependencies are embedded within the program itself. It contrasts with dynamic linking, where libraries are loaded separately during execution.
Developers should use static linking when creating portable, self-contained applications that need to run reliably across different systems without dependency issues, such as in embedded systems, cross-platform tools, or deployment to environments with strict library version controls. It is also beneficial for performance-critical applications where the overhead of dynamic library loading is undesirable, though it increases binary size.