Difference Between Linker and Loader

Difference Between Linker and Loader.

LINKER	LOADER
The main function of Linker is to generate executable files	Whereas main objective of Loader is to executable files to main memory
The linker takes input of object code generated by compiler/assembler	And the loader takes input of executable files generated by linker
Linking can be defined as process of combining various pieces of codes and source code to obtain executable code	Loading can be defined as process of loading executable codes to main memory for further execution
Linker is of 2 types: Linkage Editor and Dynamic Linker	Loader is of 3 types: Absolute loading, Relocatable loading and Dynamic run-time loading
Another use of linker is to combine all object modules	It helps in allocating the address to executable codes/files
Linker is also responsible for arranging objects in program’s address space	Loader is also responsible for adjusting references which are used within the program