A loader isa)A program that place programs into memory and prepares th...
A loader is a program that place programs into memory and prepare them for execution.
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A loader isa)A program that place programs into memory and prepares th...
Answer:
A loader is a program that places programs into memory and prepares them for execution. It is responsible for loading executable files into the computer's memory and prepares them for execution by setting up the necessary data structures and resolving any dependencies.
Explanation:
A loader is an essential component of the operating system that is responsible for various tasks related to the execution of programs. Its main purpose is to load executable files into memory so that the CPU can execute them. Here are the main tasks performed by a loader:
1. Loading:
The loader is responsible for loading the executable file into memory. It reads the file from the disk and allocates memory space for the program's instructions and data. It ensures that the program is loaded into the correct memory locations.
2. Relocation:
Many programs are designed to be loaded at different memory locations. The loader performs the necessary operations to relocate the program to the correct memory location specified by the operating system. It updates the memory references in the program's instructions and data to reflect the new memory location.
3. Linking:
In some cases, a program may have external dependencies on other libraries or modules. The loader resolves these dependencies by linking the program with the required libraries. It connects the program's references to external symbols with the actual memory addresses of the corresponding symbols.
4. Symbol Resolution:
The loader resolves any symbolic references in the program. Symbolic references are memory addresses that are represented symbolically rather than numerically. The loader connects these symbolic references with the actual memory addresses during the loading process.
5. Loading Dependencies:
If the program has any shared libraries or dynamically loaded modules, the loader is responsible for loading these dependencies into memory as well. It ensures that all the necessary components for the program's execution are present in memory.
Overall, a loader plays a crucial role in preparing a program for execution by handling the loading, relocation, linking, and symbol resolution tasks. It sets up the program's environment in memory, allowing the CPU to execute the instructions and data contained within the program.