Implement a Simple Static Linker

Combining Objects into One Executable

Static linking merges all .o files and libraries into a single binary. LLD, GNU ld, and MSVC's link.exe assign final addresses, resolve symbols, apply relocations, and emit the executable. No runtime loader needed beyond the OS program loader.

Link Steps

Collect input objects. Lay out sections (VMA/LMA). Resolve symbols: each undefined gets a definition's address. Apply relocations. Emit ELF executable with entry point _start or main.

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• Section alignment affects load addresses
• --gc-sections drops unreferenced code
• Order files guide hot code placement
• Static libc bloats binary but simplifies deployment

Connecting to real compilers

Production compilers embed this step inside a longer pipeline. GCC flows through cpp, cc1, assembly, and ld; Clang uses the driver, Sema, LLVM IR passes, and a target backend. LLVM bitcode, JVM bytecode, and WASM are other familiar IRs at the same layer. The exercise isolates one pass so you can test it alone before chaining it to the next stage.

Why for this exercise

You will implement a simple static linker that merges object files. This exercise requires resolving symbols, laying out sections, applying relocations, and writing a minimal executable image.