NonStop System Glossary

linkfile
1. For native C/C++ compilers in the Guardian environment, a command file for input to the ld,
nld, or eld utility.
2. A file containing object code that is not yet ready to load and execute. Linkfiles are combined
by means of a linker to make an executable loadfile for a program or library. Compiling creates
one linkfile per independent source module. Contrast with loadfile.
linking
The operation of collecting, connecting, and relocating code and data blocks from one or more
separately compiled object files to produce a target object file.
Linux
Linus Torvald’s version of the UNIX operating system. See also http://www.linux.org.
listener
The process or server that is notified by the message system that a message from some other process
or server is being delivered.
LIU
See line interface unit (LIU).
LMU
See logical memory unit (LMU).
load
1. To transfer the NonStop operating system image or a program from disk into a computer’s
memory so that the operating system or program can run.
2. To insert a tape into a tape drive, which prepares it for a tape operation (read or write).
loadable library
A loadfile that offers functions and data to other loadfiles. In this manual, dynamic-link libraries
and hybrid shared run-time libraries are libraries. A library cannot normally be invoked externally;
for example, by a RUN command. Instead, it is invoked by calls or data references from client
loadfiles.
loader
A programming utility that transfers a program into memory so it can run. The mechanism that
brings loadfiles into memory for execution, maps them into virtual address space, and resolves
symbol references among them. Synonyms include run-time loader and run-time linker. The loader
for TNS and for TNS/R native programs and libraries that are not position-independent code (PIC)
is part of the operating system. For PIC loadfiles, a loader called RLD works with the operating
system to load programs and libraries.
loadfile
An executable object code file that is ready for loading into memory and executing on the computer.
Loadfiles are further classified as executable programs (containing a main routine at which to
begin execution of that program) or executable libraries (supplying routines or variables to multiple
programs or separately loaded libraries). A TNS code file might be both a loadfile and a linkfile.
Native code files are never both. Contrast with linkfile.
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