.lds

Extension: Binutils LD Linker Script

Developer: The GNU Project

The ‘.lds’ file, or Binutils LD Linker Script, is a crucial component in the compilation and linking process of programs, particularly those developed using the GNU toolchain. Created by the GNU Project, this text-based script acts as a blueprint for the GNU linker, ‘ld’. Instead of relying solely on default settings, an ‘.lds’ file allows developers to exert precise control over the final executable’s structure. This includes specifying the memory segments (like code, data, and bss), their placement in memory, and the order in which object files are linked. This level of fine-grained control is essential for embedded systems, kernel development, and situations requiring optimized memory layout. Understanding the contents of an ‘.lds’ file can be vital for debugging linking errors or customizing the resulting program’s behavior.

You can open and edit an ‘.lds’ file using any plain text editor, such as Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (macOS), or gedit (Linux). Since it’s a text file, there’s no special software required. However, understanding the linker script language is necessary to modify or create them. The syntax involves specifying memory sections and their attributes, along with instructions for placing object files within those sections. Improperly formatted scripts can lead to linking failures, resulting in non-functional executables. Therefore, while easily accessible, working with ‘.lds’ files necessitates a solid understanding of the linking process and the linker script language itself. Online resources and the GNU ld documentation offer valuable assistance in mastering this powerful tool.