Linkers and Loaders: Sample code

Perl library Library routines to read and write object files.

Project 3-1: Write a perl program that reads an object files in this format and stores the contents in a suitable form in perl tables and arrays, then writes the file back out. The output file need not be identical to the input, although it should be semantically equivalent. For example, the symbols need not be written in the same order they were read, although if they're reordered, the relocation entries must be adjusted to reflect the new order of the symbol table.
Perl code

Project 4-1: Extend the linker skeleton from project 3-1 to do simple UNIX-style storage allocation. Assume that the only interesting segments are .text, .data, and .bss. In the output file, text starts at hex 1000, data starts at the next multiple of 1000 after the text, and bss starts on a 4 byte boundary after the data, Your linker needs to write out a partial object file with the segment definitions for the output file. (You need not emit symbols, relocations, or data at this point.) Within your linker, be sure you have a data structure that will let you determine what address each segment in each input file has been assigned, since you'll need that for project in subsequent chapters. Use the sample routines in Example 2 to test your allocator.
Perl code
Sample objects main, California, Massachusetts, New York.

Project 4-2: Implement Unix-style common blocks. That is, scan the symbol table for undefined symbols with non-zero values, and add space of appropriate size to the .bss segment. Don't worry about adjusting the symbol table entries, that's in the next chapter.
Perl code

Project 4-3: Extend the allocator in 4-3 to handle arbitrary segments in input files, combining all segments with identical names. A reasonable allocation strategy would be to put at 1000 the segments with RP attributes, then starting at the next 1000 boundary RWP attributes, then on a 4 boundary RW attributes. Allocate common blocks in .bss with attribute RW.
Perl code

Subsequent chapters to be added shortly.

$Date: 2001/07/23 05:53:55 $