Compiler → Linker → ELF → HEX
Embedded source code is transformed through several build stages. The compiler translates source files into object files. The linker combines objects and libraries according to a linker script and produces an executable image such as ELF. A HEX file is a representation suitable for programming tools; it is not the same thing as the ELF debugging image.
CORE IDEA
.c → compiler → .o
ENGINEERING VIEW
Linker + linker script → ELF
WHAT TO CHECK
ELF contains executable/debug information
REMEMBER
Map files help inspect memory placement
Engineer’s checklist
- .c → compiler → .o
- Linker + linker script → ELF
- ELF contains executable/debug information
- HEX represents programmed image data
- Map files help inspect memory placement
// Level 0 practical notes
// Next iteration: register diagrams + full STM32 examples.