linkage editor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical/Historical)Technical
Quick answer
What does “linkage editor” mean?
A computer utility program that combines multiple object files into a single, executable program by resolving references between them.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A computer utility program that combines multiple object files into a single, executable program by resolving references between them.
In historical computing, a system software tool that performs the linking phase of the compilation process, merging code from libraries and modules to create a final runnable program. Sometimes called simply a 'linker'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally technical and historical in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes old/mainframe computing systems (e.g., IBM OS/360). Modern developers will almost always say 'linker'.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. Only encountered in historical technical documentation or by specialists working with legacy systems.
Grammar
How to Use “linkage editor” in a Sentence
The [SYSTEM] uses a linkage editor to [FUNCTION].You must run the linkage editor on the [OBJECT FILES].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “linkage editor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The modules need to be linkage-edited.
- We'll linkage-edit the object deck.
American English
- We have to linkage-edit these files.
- The job will linkage-edit the output.
adjective
British English
- The linkage-editor phase is complete.
- A linkage-editor run is required.
American English
- Check the linkage-editor options.
- The linkage-editor step failed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rarely used, only in historical computer science courses discussing compilation phases.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The only context. Used by developers/maintainers of legacy systems (e.g., IBM z/OS). May appear in old manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “linkage editor”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “linkage editor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “linkage editor”
- Using 'linkage editor' to refer to a modern linker (sounds outdated).
- Confusing it with a text editor or a compiler.
- Using it in a non-technical context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A compiler translates source code into object code. The linkage editor (linker) takes one or more object files and combines them into a single executable program.
Rarely. The term is largely historical. Modern software developers almost exclusively use the shorter term 'linker' (e.g., GNU linker 'ld').
The term is strongly associated with early IBM mainframe operating systems like OS/360 and its successors (e.g., z/OS), where the program was called IEWL (Internal Editor and Linkage Editor).
No. It is strictly a software utility. The 'editor' part refers to its function of editing links between code sections, not to a human editor.
A computer utility program that combines multiple object files into a single, executable program by resolving references between them.
Linkage editor is usually technical in register.
Linkage editor: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪŋkɪdʒ ˈɛdɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪŋkɪdʒ ˈɛdɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a film editor linking scenes together; a linkage editor links code modules together to create the final program.
Conceptual Metaphor
A factory assembly line that takes pre-made parts (object files) and connects them with bolts and wires (resolved references) to build a complete machine (executable).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a linkage editor?