Difference between compile time ,load time and execution time?

Question

What is the difference between Compile time, Load time and Execution time?

• Can someone explain me these three terms in a very simple language?
• It would be easier to understand if you can provide some examples as well.

Context:

Classically, the binding of instructions and data to memory addresses can be done at any step along the way:

• Compile time. The compiler translates symbolic addresses to absolute addresses. If you know at compile time where the process will reside in memory, then absolute code can be generated (Static).

• Load time. The compiler translates symbolic addresses to relative (relocatable) addresses. The loader translates these to absolute addresses. If it is not known at compile time where the process will reside in memory, then the compiler must generate relocatable code (Static).

• Execution time. If the process can be moved during its execution from one memory segment to another, then binding must be delayed until run time. The absolute addresses are generated by hardware. Most general-purpose OSs use this method (Dynamic).

Answer 1

These terms seem self explanatory to me, but here's an attempt at describing them. Links for further reading are included.

Compile time is when your code is being processed by a compiler. In this context, it's talking about a compiler that is transforming your code into an executable binary.

Load time is when the Operating System is reading an executable from long term storage (typically a hard drive) and loading it into short term memory (RAM) from which it can be executed. Generally the hard drive is too slow to feed the CPU, so fast memory is used to store instructions/programs that the CPU is getting ready to execute. This is also when the initial memory allocation is reserved and initialized for use by the program.

Execution time is when a program is executing or running. The instructions are in memory and are being processed by the CPU. Additional memory may be allocated and/or deallocated at this time.