From Program to Process - What Happens After the Compiler

Explore the journey from compilation to execution in this comprehensive conference talk. Delve into the intricate processes that occur after the compiler translates source code into machine code. Uncover the mysteries behind assembly code labels, function names, and cross-compilation unit jumps. Gain insights into how compilers generate accurate jumps without knowing the final memory location of machine code. Investigate the complexities of dynamic shared objects and their impact on the compilation process. Learn about the collaborative efforts of compilers, linkers, loaders, and operating systems in transforming compilation units into running processes. Examine key concepts such as static and dynamic linking, relocations, position-independent code, sections, segments, and virtual memory within the Linux environment. While focused on Linux, understand that similar principles apply to Windows and Mac systems.