Binder Manual (G06.24+, H06.03+)

Binder Manual—528613-003
5-1
5 Binder Input and Output
This section describes the two stages of Binder operation: input and output. It contains
the following topics:
During the input stage, you instruct Binder how to build the target file by specifying the
names of input object files and the code and data blocks within those files. You also
specify any changes to the code blocks, data blocks, and references that Binder must
follow to build its target file.
During the output stage, Binder builds the target file according to your instructions and
places the new target object file on disk.
Compilers provide names for all code and data blocks that are unnamed in the source
code. In turn, Binder receives from the compilers and interactive users the names of
disk files to search for specific code and data blocks. When the Binder finds each
block, it copies the code or data block into the target file. The input object file is not
affected; it remains on disk in its original state.
Binder determines which code blocks should be included in the final executable
program from among all the available code blocks contained in the input files (specified
in ADD and SELECT SEARCH commands). Binder makes these determinations
independently for each code block using the input control lists. If an input object code
file has four routines—A, B, C, and D—Binder might determine that only B and C are
needed in this application. Binder would then copy B and C into the new object code
file and omit A and D.
Binder makes these determinations by tracking which routines are needed to satisfy
direct or indirect calls from the main program. Routines that are called but not yet
included are called unsatisfied references. You can manually force additional blocks
into the output file by using the ADD command.
Although input files can include several copies or versions of the same routine, Binder
includes only one copy in the new object code file. The copy that is chosen depends on
the ordering of Binder commands and on the order in which Binder explores the search
list.
The Input Control Lists
During the input stage, Binder accepts commands and collects the information in
control lists. These lists are used to build the target file during the output stage. The
input control lists follow:
•
Include lists, specifically:
°
Include code block list
Topic Page
The Input Control Lists
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The Target File 5-8