Executable files for Linux : under the hood of ELFs for flexible and secure low-level coding / Mohit Mishra.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mishra, Mohit, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Linux.

Operating systems (Computers).

Computer files.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xxiii, 327 pages) : illustrations

Place of Publication:

[Berkeley, CA] : Apress, [2026]

Summary:

Focusing on the Executable and Linkable Format (ELF) used in Linux and Unix systems, this book explores how code is compiled, linked, and loaded into memory, and how the operating system executes it. You’ll learn to analyse ELF files, debug and optimize programs at the binary level, write custom linker scripts, and understand dynamic linking and symbol resolution. ELF files are important because low-level programming and binary analysis are critical skills for system programmers, embedded developers, and security researchers. With the rise of performance optimization, cybersecurity, and resource-constrained environments (e.g., IoT), understanding executables is more relevant than ever. Executable Files for Linux provides a hands-on, modern approach to a topic often overlooked in learning resources today. You will: · Analyse and modify ELF files to optimize software performance · Debug and optimize programs at the binary level · Write custom linker scripts for complex projects · Understand dynamic linking, lazy loading, and symbol resolution · Explore kernel-level processes for loading and executing binaries .

Contents:

1: Introduction to Executables 2: ELF: Demystifying the Executable Format

3: Understanding ELF Sections

4: Before main(): The Secret Life of Global Variables

5: The Linker: Bringing The C Code Together

6: Relocations: The Linker's Patchwork

7: Symbols: The Linker's Address Book. 8: Dynamic Linking in C: Shrinking Executables and Sharing Code

9: Lazy Loading: Dynamic Linking on Demand

10: Understanding Linux Executable Loading: A Deep Dive into Kernel Internals

11: Weak Symbols: A Linker's Flexibility

12: Level Up Your C: Key Takeaways About Linking and Loading.

Notes:

Includes index.

OCLC-licensed vendor bibliographic record.

ISBN:

979-88-6882-154-7

OCLC:

1586323024