compilerlinker

A compiler is a software tool that translates high-level programming code into machine code, which can be executed by a computer's processor. It performs several key functions, including lexical analysis, syntax analysis, semantic analysis, and code generation. The compiler reads the source code, checks for errors, and produces an intermediate representation or object code. This object code is not yet executable on its own and requires further processing.

A linker is another essential tool in the software development process. It takes one or more object files generated by the compiler and combines them into a single executable file. The linker resolves references between different object files, such as function calls and variable accesses, by updating the addresses in the object code. It also incorporates any necessary libraries and resolves external references to functions and data defined in those libraries.

The interaction between the compiler and linker is crucial for creating executable programs. The compiler translates the source code into object files, while the linker combines these object files and resolves all references to create a final executable. This process ensures that the program can run correctly on the target system.