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To create a static library, in general, we follow the 2-step method. First, we create object files for each source file using the 'gcc' command. Second, We will bundle all the object files using the 'ar' command.

I know 'gcc' and 'ar' are two separate components. But, I would like to get the confirmation on whether it is possible to create a static library in a single step using the 'gcc' command? If yes, Could anyone suggest how we can do that?

Note: This question is not related to how to create a static library. This question is purely to get confirmation. I referred gcc manual entry page but I couldn't find a way to do that.

Let me know your thoughts on this.

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  • Why do you need that? Commented Jan 3, 2022 at 13:27
  • I would say simplified approach. Commented Jan 3, 2022 at 13:54

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There is no way to create the archive library using gcc only.

An approximation to the idea of a static library using GCC only is to create a relocatable object file containing all the component files:

gcc -r -o libobject.o object1.o object2.o object3.o

This creates a single object file, libobject.o, that contains all the object code from the list of object files (object1.o, object2.o, object3.o). It can be linked with any code that uses any of the functions to create an executable.

gcc -o program program.o libobject.o

Note that you must supply the path to the composite object file on the linker command line — it won't be found using a library search.

However, this is only an approximation to a static library because with a library, only the object files that provide functions used are linked into the executable, whereas with a composite object file like libobject.o, all the code in all the object files is always linked into the executable. You rarely use every single function provided by a library in a single program.

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