Compilation Explained: From Source Code to ELF Binary (C++ Systems Programming)

How does source code become a binary artifact?

In this video, we explore the full compilation pipeline - from high-level C++ source code to a working ELF binary. We walk through each stage of compilation, including preprocessing, intermediate representation (IR), assembly, object files, and linking.

We also take a closer look at dynamic linking, shared libraries, and the internal structure of ELF binaries using real tools like readelf.

Topics covered:
• Types of binary artifacts
• Compilation pipeline overview
• Preprocessing, IR, and assembly
• Object files and linking
• Static vs dynamic linking
• ELF binary format and structure
• Sections, segments, and headers

This video is part of the Binary Exploration series.

Tools used:
• Clang / GCC
• readelf
• FreeBSD / Linux environment

References:
System V ABI (ELF specification):
https://refspecs.linuxfoundation.org/elf/gabi41.pdf

C++ Core Guidelines:
https://isocpp.github.io/CppCoreGuidelines/

Industry coding standards and certification:
https://misra.org.uk/
https://www.autosar.org
https://www.rtca.org
https://stroustrup.com/JSF-AV-rules.pdf

Soundtrack:
https://youtu.be/aIj3LjA7MBM

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#cpp #systemsprogramming #compilation #elf #linux #freebsd #softwareengineering

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00:00 Introduction
00:10 Compilation Overview
00:22 Types of Binary Artifacts
02:20 ELF File Format
04:36 Compilation Pipeline Overview
04:52 Compilation Complexity Rationale
05:52 Source Code
06:05 Code Quality and Standards
06:25 Industry Standards (MISRA, AUTOSAR, DO-178C, JSF++)
07:31 Preprocessing
09:08 Intermediate Representation (IR)
10:55 Assembly
12:53 Object Files
14:18 Linking
17:10 Binary Layout Overview
17:25 ELF Specification (System V ABI)
18:10 ELF Header
19:14 Section Header Table (Sections)
20:20 Program Header Table (Segments)

Видео Compilation Explained: From Source Code to ELF Binary (C++ Systems Programming) канала Alexander Obzherin