länkningsfel

Länkningsfel, often translated as "linking error" or "linkage error," is a term used in software development and computer science to describe a problem that occurs during the compilation or build process. Specifically, it arises when a program attempts to use a function or variable that has been declared but not defined, or when the definition of a function or variable cannot be found in any of the linked object files or libraries.

This error typically happens during the linking stage, which is the final step in compiling a program. After the compiler translates source code into machine code, the linker combines these pieces of code, along with code from libraries, to create an executable program. If the linker encounters a reference to something that isn't present, it cannot resolve the symbol and reports a linking error. Common causes include forgetting to include a necessary library, mistyping a function name, or failing to compile all necessary source files before linking.

Linking errors are distinct from compilation errors, which occur earlier in the process when the compiler detects syntax or semantic issues within individual source files. Linking errors indicate that the program's components cannot be successfully assembled into a complete, runnable program, even if each individual component is syntactically correct. Resolving these errors usually involves ensuring all required code dependencies are available and correctly referenced.