INDEX.md

From Source to Binary: A C Programmer's Guide to Linking and Loading

Part 1: Building Blocks

• Chapter 1: The Mystery of Executable Size

  • Why is my "Hello World" so Big?

• Chapter 2: ELF: Unpacking the Executable and Link Format

  • Demystifying the Executable Format

• Chapter 3: Sections: Organizing Code and Data

  • Understanding ELF Sections

• Chapter 4: Global Variables and Initialization

  • The Secret Life of Global Variables in C

Part 2: The Linker's Dance

• Chapter 5: The Linker's Role: Piecing Together the Puzzle

  • Bringing The C Code Together

• Chapter 6: Relocations: Patching the Code

  • The Linker's Patchwork

• Chapter 7: Symbols: Identifying and Resolving References

  • Symbols

• Chapter 8: Linker Scripts: Controlling the Layout

  • Introduction To Linker Scripts

Part 3: Dynamic Linking: Sharing and Flexibility

• Chapter 9: Dynamic Linking: Sharing Code and Resources

  • Shrinking Executables and Sharing Code

• Chapter 10: The Dynamic Linking Process

  • Lazy Loading: Dynamic Linking on Demand

• Chapter 11: Controlling Dynamic Linking Behavior

  • Taking Control: Environment Variables For Dynamic Linking

• Chapter 12: Linux Executable Loading

  • Linux Executable Loading

Part 4: Advanced Linking and Optimization

• Chapter 13: Weak Symbols and Link-Time Optimization
  • Weak Symbols: A Linker's Flexibility

Part 5: Looking Ahead

• Chapter 14: Conclusion: A Deeper Understanding
  • Level Up Your C