0.5 Introduction to the Compiler, Linker, and Libraries

Question 1

What two important tasks do C++ compilers do?

Answer 1

1. Checks your code to make sure it follows the rules of the C++ language
2. Translates your code into machine language instructions

Question 2

Where are the compiled machine language instructions stored?

Answer 2

object files

Question 3

object file

Answer 3

intermediate file that contains machine language instructions and other data that is required or useful in subsequent steps

Question 4

If you compiled a source code file named “main.cpp,” what would the resulting object file be named?

Answer 4

either main.o or main.obj

Question 5

linker

Answer 5

combines all object files and produces a desired output file, such as an executable file that you can run

Question 6

What are the four main steps a linker takes?

Answer 6

1. reads each of the object files generated by the compiler and makes sure they are valid
2. ensures all cross-file dependencies are resolved properly (ex. if you define something in one .cpp file and use that thing in another .cpp file, it connects the two)
3. links in one or more library files
4. outputs the desired output file

Question 7

library files

Answer 7

collections of precompiled code that have been packaged up for reuse in other programs

Question 8

C++ standard library/standard library

Answer 8

extensive library that provides a set of useful capabilities for use in programs

Question 9

third-party libraries

Answer 9

libraries that are created and distributed by independent entities

Question 10

building

Answer 10

the full process of converting source code files into an executable that can be run

Question 11

testing

Answer 11

the process of assessing whether your software is working as expected