Definitions
- A software tool that combines object files generated by a compiler into a single executable program. - Used in programming to link different modules of code together to create a final program. - A program that resolves references between different parts of a program and creates an executable file.
- A software tool that translates source code written in a high-level programming language into machine code. - Used in programming to convert human-readable code into machine-readable code. - A program that checks for syntax errors and generates an object file that can be linked by a linker.
List of Similarities
- 1Both are tools used in programming.
- 2Both are involved in creating executable programs.
- 3Both are used in the software development process.
- 4Both are essential for creating a final program from source code.
- 5Both are used to translate code into a format that can be executed by a computer.
What is the difference?
- 1Function: A compiler translates high-level code into machine code, while a linker combines object files into a single executable program.
- 2Input: A compiler takes source code as input, while a linker takes object files as input.
- 3Output: A compiler generates object files that can be linked by a linker, while a linker generates an executable program.
- 4Errors: A compiler checks for syntax errors and reports them, while a linker resolves references between different parts of a program.
- 5Usage: A compiler is used first in the software development process, while a linker is used after the compilation stage.
Remember this!
Compiler and linker are both essential tools used in programming to create executable programs. However, the difference between compiler and linker is their function and usage. A compiler translates high-level code into machine code and generates object files that can be linked by a linker. Whereas, a linker combines object files into a single executable program and resolves references between different parts of a program.
