What is the major difference between linker and loader?

The major difference between linker and loader is that a linker is in charge of keeping track of what's in the program's space while a loader is in charge of establishing references for use in the program.

A linker is a useful utility tool that combines object files and other code created by the assembler and compiler into a single executable file. Dynamic and linkage linkers are the two types of linkers.

A loader is a critical component of an operating system that is responsible for loading applications and libraries, according to computer science. Loaders might be Absolute, Direct Linking, Bootstrap, or Relocating.

What is input difference between linker and loader?

The input difference between the linker and loader is that a linker takes the object code created by an assembler as input whereas a loader accepts linker-generated executable modules.

What are the different types of linker and loader?

The different types of linkers are linkage editor and dynamic editor and the different types of loader are absolute loader, dynamic run time loader, and relocating loader.

What is the functional difference between linker and loader?

The functional difference between linker and loader is that a linker creates an executable module by combining all of the object modules in a source code whereas, a loader allocates the addresses to a main memory executable module for execution.

Difference Between Linker and Loader | Loader vs Linker

By Aina Parasher|Updated : October 4th, 2022

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Linker and loader are utility programs that play an important part in the execution of a program. Before being executed, a program's source code travels via the compiler, assembler, linker, and loader in sequence. The difference between linker and loader is that the main goal of a linker is to create executable files, whereas the main goal of a loader is to load executable files into memory.

We have provided the significant difference between linker and loader in detail. The linker takes the assembler's object codes and combines them to create the executable module. On the other hand, the loader places this executable module in the main memory for execution. Let us analyze the difference between linker and loader based on various parameters.

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Difference between Linker and Loader

Utility programs play a critical role in the execution of any program. There are two sorts of utility programs known as linker and loader. The difference between linker and loader is that the linker takes the object codes generated by the assembler and combines them to create the executable module. The loader, on the other hand, is responsible for loading the executable module into the main memory for execution. It is an important topic in the GATE CSE syllabus. Let us check the difference between linker and loader given in the table below.

Key Difference Between Linker and Loader

Linker	Loader
A linker is a useful utility tool that combines object files and other code created by the assembler and compiler into a single executable file.	A loader is an operating system component that is responsible for loading applications and libraries.
The primary role of a linker is to create executable files.	The primary goal of a loader is to load executable files into the main memory.
Linking is the process of putting together multiple parts of code and source code to create executable code.	The process of loading executable programs into the main memory for subsequent execution is known as loading.
The linker can also be used to assemble all object modules.	It aids in the assignment of addresses to executable programs and files.
It takes the object code created by an assembler as input.	It accepts linker-generated executable modules.
It's in charge of keeping track of what's in the program's space.	It is in charge of establishing references for use in the program.

What is Linker?

After discussing the difference between linker and loader, let us discuss linker in detail. A linker is a program that joins object files created by a compiler/assembler with other bits of code to create an executable file with the .exe extension. The linker seeks and appends any libraries required for the file's execution in the object file. It controls the amount of memory allocated to each module's code. It also combines two or more different object programs into one and creates a link between them. There are two sorts of linkers in general:

Linkage Editor
Dynamic Linker

What is Loader?

The loader is a special program that receives executable files from the linker, loads them into the main memory and prepares them for computer execution. The loader allows RAM to the software. It also establishes a symbolic link between items. Its job is to load applications and libraries into the operating system. Loaders are not available in embedded computer systems. Code is performed by ROM in them. Various loading methods are as follows:

Absolute Loaders
Relocating Loaders
Direct Linking Loaders
Bootstrap Loaders

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FAQs on Difference Between Linker and Loader

What is the major difference between linker and loader?
The major difference between linker and loader is that a linker is in charge of keeping track of what's in the program's space while a loader is in charge of establishing references for use in the program.
What is linker?
A linker is a useful utility tool that combines object files and other code created by the assembler and compiler into a single executable file. Dynamic and linkage linkers are the two types of linkers.
What is loader?
A loader is a critical component of an operating system that is responsible for loading applications and libraries, according to computer science. Loaders might be Absolute, Direct Linking, Bootstrap, or Relocating.
What is input difference between linker and loader?
The input difference between the linker and loader is that a linker takes the object code created by an assembler as input whereas a loader accepts linker-generated executable modules.
What are the different types of linker and loader?
The different types of linkers are linkage editor and dynamic editor and the different types of loader are absolute loader, dynamic run time loader, and relocating loader.
What is the functional difference between linker and loader?
The functional difference between linker and loader is that a linker creates an executable module by combining all of the object modules in a source code whereas, a loader allocates the addresses to a main memory executable module for execution.