static library implementation vs including source code implementation

Question

What are the general differences between compiling a program as a static library vs. including the source code into the program?

i.e. A program with functions that is compiled as a static library (.lib) and linked into the program vs A program with functions that is included as a source file in the main program.

Static libraries more suitable for release when releasing closed source programs? Faster compilation? etc..

Answer 1

I'd advocate inclusion of source code because:

1. Static library is more architecture depending than source code. You will need to compile it again and again.
2. Optionally, source code allows more optimization than linking with a pre-compiled library.
3. When examining the program it is always better to have the possibility to see the source code than just a prototype.