Specifying the output type and the output filename

Specifies the name of the output file. The file can be either a partially-linked object or an executable image. If the output filename is not specified, the linker uses the following defaults:

If file is specified without path information, it is created in the current working directory. If path information is specified, then that directory becomes the default output directory.

Creates a partially‑linked object instead of an executable image.

Creates relocatable ELF images.

A relocatable image has a dynamic segment that contains relocations that can be used to relocate the image post link-time. Examples of post link-time relocation include advanced ROM construction and dynamic loading at runtime.

If the image is loaded at its link-time address, the relocatable image produced by the linker does not require the relocations to be processed and debug data for the image is valid. Loading the image at a different address to the link-time address and processing the relocations, however, invalidates any debug data present in the image.

Used on its own, ‑‑reloc makes an image similar to Simple type 1 where the load region attribute is set to RELOC. See Type 1, one load region and contiguous execution regions for more information.