The figure below shows the processing of an object program using Linkage editor. A
linkage editor produces a linked version of the program – often called a load module or
an executable image – which is written to a file or library for later execution. The linked
program produced is generally in a form that is suitable for processing by a relocating
loader.
Some useful functions of Linkage editor are, an absolute object program can be
created, if starting address is already known. New versions of the library can be included
without changing the source program. Linkage editors can also be used to build packages
of subroutines or other control sections that are generally used together. Linkage editors
often allow the user to specify that external references are not to be resolved by automatic
library search – linking will be done later by linking loader – linkage editor + linking
loader – savings in space