In computer science, link time refers to either the operations performed by a linker (i.e. link time operations) or programming language requirements that must be met by compiled source code for it to be successfully linked (i.e. link time requirements).
The operations performed at link time usually include fixing up the addresses of externally referenced objects and functions, various kinds of cross module checks (e.g. type checks on externally visible identifiers and in some languages instantiation of template). Some optimizing compilers delay code generation until link time because it is here that information about a complete program is available to them.
The definition of a programming language may specify link time requirements that source code must meet to be successfully compiled (e.g. the maximum number of characters in an externally visible identifier that must be considered significant).
Link time occurs after compile time and before runtime (when a program is executed). In some programming languages it may be necessary for some compilation and linking to occur at runtime. Resolving external variables in a program is done at link time.
In computing, a linker or link editor is a computer program that takes one or more object files generated by a compiler and combines them into a single executable file, library file, or another object file.
A simpler version that writes its output directly to memory is called the loader, though loading is typically considered a separate process.
Computer programs typically comprise several parts or modules; these parts/modules need not all be contained within a single object file, and in such cases refer to each other by means of symbols. Typically, an object file can contain three kinds of symbols:
For most compilers, each object file is the result of compiling one input source code file. When a program comprises multiple object files, the linker combines these files into a unified executable program, resolving the symbols as it goes along.
Hold me
Show me all the talent God has given you
I want us thinking outside the box (all night long)
Just keep on going
You've done good things for me
Though I'm not an easy girl to please
I'll never run out of faith in you (all night long)
Just keep on going
[Chorus:]
Long time long time
That's the way I've loved you baby
Long night it's been a long night
I'm breaking the record, told ya
Long time long time
The minutes are eternal lately
Long night it's been a long night
Can't wait to touch you, touch you
I wish I had longer legs
That I could fasten to your body so you'd take me with you everywhere
And when you think I can take no more (all night long)
Just keep on going
If I let you have your way don't think I'm weak
You got the stamina and the technique
So let those eloquent hands of yours (all night long)
Just keep on going
[Chorus:]
Long time long time
That's the way I've loved you baby
Long night it's been a long night
I'm breaking the record, told ya
Long time long time
The minutes are eternal lately
Long night it's been a long night
Can't wait to touch you, touch you
This thing we've got's so rare
It's so good it's not even fair
So how could anything compare
To your way, no way
How can you do me so much good
I'm so happy I should get sued
But nothing matters next to you
No way, no way
[Chorus:]
Long time long time
That's the way I've loved you baby
Long night it's been a long night
I'm breaking the record, told ya
Long time long time
The minutes are eternal lately
Long night it's been a long night