The GNU ld linker script is a powerful tool that allows developers to control how their binaries are linked. One of the most useful features of the linker script is the ability to include binary files into the final executable. In this article, we will discuss the steps to include binary files with the GNU ld linker script.
Firstly, let's understand what a binary file is. A binary file is a type of file that contains data in machine-readable form. It is not human-readable like a text file, but it contains instructions that can be executed by the computer's processor. These files are typically used to store executable code, libraries, or other resources that are needed by a program.
Now, let's move on to the steps to include a binary file with the GNU ld linker script.
Step 1: Create a Binary File
The first step is to create the binary file that you want to include in your final executable. This file could be a library, an object file, or any other type of binary file that your program requires.
Step 2: Create a Linker Script
Next, you need to create a linker script that will specify how the binary file should be included in the final executable. The linker script is a text file with a .ld extension. It contains a set of commands that tell the linker how to link the various object files and libraries to create the final executable.
Step 3: Specify the Binary File in the Linker Script
In the linker script, you need to specify the binary file that you want to include. This is done using the INPUT keyword, followed by the name of the binary file. For example:
INPUT mylib.o
Step 4: Specify the Location of the Binary File
You also need to specify the location of the binary file in the linker script. This is done using the MEMORY keyword, followed by the starting and ending address of the memory region where the binary file should be loaded. For example:
MEMORY {
mylib (RX) : ORIGIN = 0x400000, LENGTH = 0x1000
}
Step 5: Link the Binary File
Once you have specified the binary file and its location in the linker script, you can now link it to your final executable. This is done by passing the linker script to the ld command with the -T option. For example:
ld -T mylinker.ld -o myprog myprog.o
And that's it! Your binary file will now be included in the final executable.
In conclusion, the GNU ld linker script is a powerful tool that allows developers to include binary files in their final executable. By following the above steps, you can easily include any binary file in your program and have it linked correctly by the linker. This feature is particularly useful when you want to bundle external resources with your executable, making it self-contained and portable. So, go ahead and try it out in your next project!
