What is .a file in linux

In Linux, the ".a" file is a static link library file; a static link library file refers to a function or process to be called that is linked to an executable file and becomes part of the executable file. The called function code is not copied to the application's executable file, but the description information of the called function is added to it.

#The operating environment of this tutorial: linux7.3 system, Dell G3 computer.

What is the .a file in Linux?

.a file is a static link library file in the LINUX system.

The so-called static linking refers to linking the function or process to be called into the executable file and becoming part of the executable file. When multiple programs call the same function, there will be multiple copies of the function in the memory, thus wasting precious memory resources. .so files are shared library files (dynamically linked). The function code called by dynamic linking is not copied to the executable file of the application, but only the description information of the called function (often some relocation information) is added to it. Only when the application is loaded When the memory starts running, under the management of the operating system, a link relationship is established between the application and the corresponding .so.

.a file is a combination of multiple .o files. The .o file is an object file, and the content contained in it is machine-executable instructions such as 01. When the program is to be executed, it needs to be linked. Linking is to link multiple .o files into an executable file.

Extended knowledge

.o is object, which is equivalent to the obj file compiled under windows, commonly known as the target file.

. a is archive, which is equivalent to the lib file compiled under Windows VC, commonly known as static library file.

.o file is a link file, .a is a static library file, generated by .o file, as a Libraries provide functions and interfaces for external programs.

Generate .o file:

gcc -c test.o test.c

Generate .a file:

ar cqs test.a test.o

.o is equivalent to the obj file in windows, one .c or .cpp file corresponds to one The .o file

.a is a combination of several .o files, used for static connection, that is, STATIC mode. Multiple .a files can be linked to generate an exe executable file

.so It is a shared object, used for dynamic connection. It is similar to the Windows dll. It is loaded only when used.

Recommended learning: Linux video tutorial

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