Resolving external references means

connecting a function call in one module to its definition in another

A misspelled function name such as prntf typically gives which message?

syntax error: missing semicolon

2069 Chaitra · 2 marks

Role of linker

Short answer

A linker combines one or more object files with required library routines to produce a single executable file. It resolves external references, assigns final addresses, and reports errors like undefined references.

Explain the role of linker.

A linker is a system program that combines one or more object files with the library routines they use and produces a single executable file.

Its roles are:

Joins the object code of the main program, other modules and library functions (for example printf from the C library).
Resolves external references, so a function call in one module is connected to its definition in another.
Assigns final relative addresses to the combined code and data.
Reports an error such as "undefined reference" when a function used is not found.

Flow: source (.c) -> compiler -> object (.obj) -> linker (+ libraries) -> executable (.exe).

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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