In the context of compiling, what does the term 'linker' refer to?

The term 'linker' refers to a program that combines multiple executable code files into a single program that is ready to run. When writing software, developers often divide their code into different source files for better organization and modularity. Each of these files may be compiled into individual object files, which contain machine code. The linker takes these object files and resolves references between them, such as function calls or variable accesses, before producing a final executable. This process ensures that all the necessary components are correctly integrated and available for execution.

In this context, the role of the linker is crucial because it enables the creation of larger and more complex programs by handling dependencies across various modules or libraries. This allows for code reuse and increases overall efficiency during software development.