View source for Executable and Linkable Format

[[Category:Assembly Language]][[Category:SPO600]]The Executable and Linkable Format (ELF) is a file format for binary executable files, object code, shared libraries, and core dumps (diagnostic snapshots of running software). It is a multi-section file format and can therefore be readily extended with additional information, such as IR for [[Link Time Optimization]] or debugging data. ELF is used across many different operating systems on a range of software platforms.

== Tools ==
ELF files are used by the kernel and many programs (as, ld, and so forth). These utility tools are additionally useful in working with ELF files:
* objdump - displays information from ELF object files
* readelf - displays information about an ELF file
* gdb - GNU debugger
* elfedit - alters ELF header information
* addr2line - converts a memory address into the corresponding filename and line number (for debugging)
* strip - removes symbols (including those generated by the -g compiler option)

== Resources ==
* [https://linux-audit.com/elf-binaries-on-linux-understanding-and-analysis The 101 of ELF files on Linux: Understanding and Analysis]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executable_and_Linkable_Format#Non-Unix_adoption Executable and Linkable Format] (Wikipedia)
* The manpage for elf(5)