CODEWITHSUNDEEP
exeelfout
Asha
Asha

Reputation: 41

what is the difference between a.out file and .elf file format

Can any one please tell me what is the difference between .out and .elf file?

either .elf file consist debug information or not?

And what is fully statically linked exe file?

Upvotes: 4

Views: 3274

Answers (2)

TheDude04
TheDude04

Reputation: 133

ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) is a binary format created for the UNIX operating system, but it is also used in many UNIX clones, including Linux. A.OUT format is also a binary format created for UNIX but also used in various UNIX clones. The differences between the formats are not something I shall go into, but if you wish, you can research it yourself. A.OUT is much older than ELF, and by which, much more limiting, so it isn't used as much today compared to ELF.

It is notable to mention as well that "a.out" is the default name of an executable that is generated by GCC, even though it is usually compiled to ELF by default.

ELF is not a version of A.OUT with debug symbols or something like that, but it is best to think of them as two different things that strive to do the same thing.

Upvotes: 3

Ricard Molins
Ricard Molins

Reputation: 450

The .out could be the binary that will be running in the Computer/board and the elf is the file that gives information about the binary. For example it may provide information at which adress of the binary each variable is located.

Upvotes: -1

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