Dynamic library in the context of Library (computing)

⭐ Core Definition: Dynamic library

A dynamic library is a library that contains functions and data that can be consumed by a computer program at run-time as loaded from a file separate from the program executable. Dynamic linking or late binding allows for using a dynamic library by linking program library references with the associated objects in the library either at load-time or run-time. At program build-time, the linker records what library objects the program uses. When the program is run, a dynamic linker or linking loader associates program library references with the associated objects in the library.

A dynamic library can be linked at build-time to a stub for each library resource that is resolved at run-time. Alternatively, a dynamic library can be loaded without linking to stubs.

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Dynamic library in the context of Dynamic linker

A dynamic linker is an operating system feature that loads and links dynamic libraries for an executable at runtime; before or while it is running. Although the details vary by operating system, typically, a dynamic linker copies the content of each library from persistent storage to RAM, fills jump tables and relocates pointers.

Linking is often referred to as a process that is performed when the executable is compiled, while a dynamic linker is a special part of an operating system that loads external shared libraries into a running process and then binds those shared libraries dynamically to the running process. This approach is also called dynamic linking or late linking.

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Dynamic library in the context of Library (computing)

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⭐ Core Definition: Dynamic library

Dynamic library in the context of Dynamic linker