Executable-Code Tools

Tools for working with executable code are as rich as the tools for working with source code.

Code Creation

The tools described in this section help with code creation.

Compilers and Linkers

Compilers convert source code to executable code. Most programs are written to be compiled, although some are still interpreted.

A standard linker links one or more object files, which the compiler has generated from your source files, with the standard code needed to make an executable program. Linkers typically can link files from multiple languages, allowing you to choose the language that's most appropriate for each part of your program without your having to handle the integration details yourself.

An overlay linker helps you put 10 pounds ...

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