ELF stands for Executable and Linkable Format.
Understanding ELF in Computing
The Executable and Linkable Format (ELF) is a widely adopted standard file format primarily used in computing. Initially, it was known as the Extensible Linking Format. ELF plays a crucial role as a common standard for organizing various types of program-related files.
Key Uses of ELF
ELF serves as a versatile format for several critical components within a computer system, ensuring compatibility and functionality across different Unix-like operating systems. These include:
- Executable files: These are the compiled programs that users run directly. ELF defines how the code and data within these programs are structured so the operating system can load and execute them.
- Object code: When source code is compiled, it often first produces object code files. These files contain compiled code and data but are not yet linked into a complete program. ELF provides the structure for these intermediate files.
- Shared libraries: These are collections of code and data that can be used by multiple programs simultaneously. For example, many applications on Linux systems rely on shared libraries (often with a
.soextension) formatted as ELF to reuse common functions and reduce memory usage. - Core dumps: When a program crashes unexpectedly, the operating system can generate a "core dump." This is a file containing a snapshot of the program's memory at the time of the crash, which developers can use for debugging. Core dumps are also typically formatted as ELF files.
This standardized format allows operating systems to efficiently manage and interact with these file types, contributing significantly to the stability and interoperability of software development and execution environments.
