Re: linking multiple object files into a single object file output

[Paul Pluzhnikov]

FlorinBr <kreaThorEx@gmail.com> writes:

> I wonder if you can do the following: I have some object files
...
> and I would like to "link" file1.o , file2.o , and file3.o into a big
> object file, let's say file.o, but which shouldn't be an executable -
> I want it to be just an object file, which is to be used in a
> later(final) linking stage.

When asking a linking question, do tell what your OS is -- it's
impossible to answer your question without knowing the OS.

Assuming UNIX/Linux, yes, you can combine multiple objects into a
single one:

  ld -r -o file.o file1.o file2.o file3.o

or 

  ld -Ur -o file.o file1.o file2.o file3.o

>From "info ld":

`-Ur'
     For anything other than C++ programs, this option is equivalent to
     `-r': it generates relocatable output--i.e., an output file that
     can in turn serve as input to `ld'.  When linking C++ programs,
     `-Ur' _does_ resolve references to constructors, unlike `-r'.  It
     does not work to use `-Ur' on files that were themselves linked
     with `-Ur'; once the constructor table has been built, it cannot
     be added to.  Use `-Ur' only for the last partial link, and `-r'
     for the others.

Also note, that combining multiple objects into single one may or
may not be appropriate in your situation, but since you provided no
clue *why* you want to do that, I can't give you any further advice.

In the future, try to ask "I want to achieve X and I think I need
to do Y to get there. How do I do Y or is there a better alternative
to get to X?"

Cheers,
-- 
In order to understand recursion you must first understand recursion.
Remove /-nsp/ for email.