# Getting started

```{contents}
:local: true
```

## About the linker

Linking is the process of collecting and combining various pieces of code and data into a single file that can be loaded (copied) into memory and executed. Linking is performed automatically by programs called linkers, which enable separate compilation.

## Source

eld is available in the git repository:

:::{note}
git clone git://github.com/qualcomm/eld
:::

## Summary of the linker features

- Most important features supported by GNU Linker
  : - Development going on to add additional support
- LTO
  : - Supports ThinLTO
    - Supports Full LTO
    - Supports Both flavors of LTO with linker scripts
- Supports Version scripts
  : - Supports extensive usage of Linker scripts
- Better Diagnostics
  : - YAML Map Files
    - Easier to read Text Map files
- Support for Linker Plugins
- --reproduce flag to easily reproduce the linking step.

## What the linker can accept as input

The following types of files can be used as input to ld.eld:

- Object files
- Static Libraries
- Shared Libraries
- Symbol definition file
- Extern list
- Binary files

## What the linker outputs

- ELF File
- A partially linked ELF object that can be used as input in a subsequent link step.
- Map file
  : - YAML Map
    - Text Map
- Tar file
  : - when using --reproduce flag