How to create an executable from a ".o" file?

[trilobite]

Hi all -

I'm getting involved in helping to do some docs for a project. The project uses the "Boost QuickBook" tool to help in creating the docs.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I followed the instructions which should have (IIUC) created an executable called "quickbook". Instead, all that I have found (in a particular subdirectory) is about ten or so ".o" files, including "quickbook.o".

I believe they're "object files", not executables, so mny question is - can I create an executable from "quickbook.o", and if so, how?

Very many thanks in advance - bye for now -
- trilobite

[curvedinfinity]

Object files are compiled source code. You make the object files with a command like this:


gcc -c yoursource.c -o objects/yourobject.o


(run a separate command for each source file)

Next you have to "link" each object file and all of the libraries you are using into a binary:


gcc -o yourexecutable objects/yourobject1.o objects/yourobject2.o -lLibrary


Alternatively, you can perform both steps at the same time:

gcc source1.c source2.c -lLibrary -o yourexecutable

Make a text file in your project called compile.sh and put your gcc commands into it like this:


#!/bin/sh
gcc source1.c source2.c -lLibrary -o yourexecutable


Then right click the file, select properties, and make it executable. Now when you want to compile your project, just double click that file and run it.

http://www.google.com/search?q=gcc+object+file+link
http://www.google.com/search?q=gcc+compile+example