4.1. Libraries¶

A library is a reusable collection of non-volatile resources, such as functionality and data, used by another library or executable.

Compiling a source file with name name using rustc produces a library with name libname, where the file extension is either rlib for a Rust static library or so for a native dynamic library.

The rlib file format is specific to rustc, and may change over time. It is similar to a tar file, and contains roughly:

• Object code, produced by code generation,

• LLVM bitcode,

• rustc metadata,

• A symbol table.

The so file format is target-dependent. Consult the documentation of your specific target.

4.2. Executables¶

An executable (or a binary) causes a computer to perform indicated tasks according to encoded instructions.

Compiling a source file with name name using rustc produces an executable with name name, without a file extension.

The file format of an executable is target-dependent. Consult the documentation of your specific target.