NAME

ranlib − convert archives to random libraries

SYNOPSIS

ranlib archive ... 

DESCRIPTION

Ranlib converts each archive to a form which can be loaded more rapidly by the loader, by adding a table of contents named __.SYMDEF to the beginning of the archive.  It uses ar(1) to reconstruct the archive, so that sufficient temporary file space must be available in the file system containing the current directory.

SEE ALSO

ld(1), ar(1)

BUGS

Because generation of a library by ar and randomization by ranlib are separate, phase errors are possible.  The loader ld warns when the modification date of a library is more recent than the creation of its dictionary; but this means you get the warning even if you only copy the library. 

7th Edition