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What is the difference between static linking and dynamic linking?
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What are the differences between static and dynamic libraries? Static libraries, while reusable in multiple programs, are locked into a program at compile time. Dynamic, or shared libraries, on the other hand, exist as separate files outside of the executable file.
Dynamic loading means loading the library (or any other binary for that matter) into the memory during load or run-time. Dynamic linking refers to the linking that is done during load or run-time and not when the exe is created.
Static linking means that the code for all routines called by your program becomes part of the executable file. Statically linked programs can be moved to run on systems without the XL Fortran runtime libraries.
Statically-linked files are 'locked' to the executable at link time so they never change. A dynamically linked file referenced by an executable can change just by replacing the file on the disk. This allows updates to functionality without having to re-link the code; the loader re-links every time you run it.
In static linking, functions and variables which are defined in external library files are linked inside your executable. That means that the code is actually linked against your code when compiling/linking.
With dynamic linking external functions that you use in your software are not linked against your executable. Instead they reside in a external library files which are only referenced by your software. Ie: the compiler/linker instructs the software on where to find the used functions.
On windows platforms you can even explicitly load DLL files at run time and hook up the functions contained in the DLL.
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Static linking is done at 'compile time' by a tool called a linker. Dynamic linking is done at run time, by the operating system.
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