======  Executable and Linkable Format  ======

The Executable and Linkable Format (ELF) is a file format for binary executable files, object code, shared libraries, and core dumps (diagnostic snapshots of running software). It is a multi-section file format and can therefore be readily extended with additional information, such as IR for [[Link Time Optimization]] or debugging data. ELF is used across many different operating systems on a range of software platforms.

=====  Tools  =====
ELF files are used by the kernel and many programs (as, ld, and so forth). These utility tools are additionally useful in working with ELF files:
  *  objdump - displays information from ELF object files
  *  readelf - displays information about an ELF file
  *  gdb - GNU debugger
  *  elfedit - alters ELF header information
  *  addr2line - converts a memory address into the corresponding filename and line number (for debugging)
  *  strip - removes symbols (including those generated by the -g compiler option)

=====  Resources  =====
  *  [[https://linux-audit.com/elf-binaries-on-linux-understanding-and-analysis|The 101 of ELF files on Linux: Understanding and Analysis]]
  *  [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executable_and_Linkable_Format#Non-Unix_adoption|Executable and Linkable Format]] (Wikipedia)
  *  The manpage for elf(5)