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.o files vs .a files

Asked 2009-03-17T15:20:45.263
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What is the difference between these two file types. I see that my C++ app links against both types during the construction of the executable.

How to build .a files? links, references, and especially examples, are highly appreciated.

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A .o file is the result of compiling a single compilation unit (essentially a source-code file, with associated header files) while a .a file is one or more .o files packaged up as a library.

answered 2009-03-17T15:30:20.750

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