Patent ID: 7299462
Filing Date: 2007-11-20
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of linking a plurality of object code modules to form an executable program, the method comprising the steps of: assigning an attribute to a function from a plurality of functions associated with relocation instructions, wherein the plurality of functions is specified by section data included in at least one of the object code modules and the relocation instructions are specified by a non-bit relocation section included in the at least one object code module, and wherein said attribute is capable of providing an indication of whether the function is reachable; for the function, ascertaining whether the function is called based on the section data and the relocation instructions of the at least one object code module and, for the function, setting the attribute to indicate a called status as reachable if the function is called; and linking the object code modules using the relocation instructions to prepare the executable program, including the step of reading the attributes of the functions, to only include functions with an indicated called status of reachable.