run-time library
<operating system, programming, library> A file containing routines which
are linked with a program at run time rather than at compile-time. The advantage
of such dynamic linking is that only one copy of the library needs to be stored,
rather than a copy being included with each executable that refers to it. This
can greatly reduce the disk space occupied by programs. Furthermore, it means
that all programs immediately benefit from changes (e.g. bug fixes) to the
single copy of the library without requiring recompilation. Since the library
code is normally classified as read-only to the memory management system, it is
possible for a single copy of the library to be loaded into memory and shared by
all active programs, thus reducing RAM and virtual memory requirements and
program load time.
(1997-07-16)
Nearby terms:
run time « run-time environment « run-time error «
run-time library » run-time support » run-time
system » Run-Time Type Information
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