Linker Vs. Loader: Explore the difference between Linker and Loader
When it comes to the execution of any programs, linker and loader play a very important role. They are the utility programs that support a program while executing. The purpose of a linker is to produce executable files whereas the major aim of a loader is to load executable files to the memory. Let’s find out more differences between linker and loader.
What is a Linker?
A linker is an important utility program that takes the object files, produced by the assembler and compiler, and other code to join them into a single executable file. There are two types of linkers, dynamic and linkage.
What is a Loader?
In the world of computer science, a loader is a vital component of an operating system that is accountable for loading programs and libraries. Absolute, Direct Linking, Bootstrap and Relocating are the types of loaders.
Difference between Linker and Loader
| S.No. | Linker | Loader |
| 1 | A linker is an important utility program that takes the object files, produced by the assembler and compiler, and other code to join them into a single executable file. | A loader is a vital component of an operating system that is accountable for loading programs and libraries. |
| 2 | It uses an input of object code produced by the assembler and compiler. | It uses an input of executable files produced by the linker. |
| 3 | The foremost purpose of a linker is to produce executable files. | The foremost purpose of a loader is to load executable files to memory. |
| 4 | Linker is used to join all the modules. | Loader is used to allocate the address to executable files. |
| 5 | It is accountable for managing objects in the program’s space. | It is accountable for setting up references that are utilized in the program. |
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