Overviews: Compiling and Linking

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The first step in the process of building a program is creating source code files with the code statements in header and/or source files. When you invoke the compiler, the runs first to create the compiler input. The compiler creates an object file that contains machine code, linker directives, sections, external references, and function and data names generated from the source files. Finally, the linker combines all of the object code from statically-linked libraries and other object files, resolves the named resources, and creates an executable file. Typically, a makefile coordinates the combination of these elements and tools in creating the executable file.

• Building from Within the Development Environment

• Building on the Command Line

• Building Projects Not Created in the Development Environment (or “External” Projects)

• Optimizing Your Code

• Creating a Release Build

• Additional Command-Line Build Tools

The build process