How Can I Embed Resource Files into Executables and Libraries Using GCC?

Embedding Resource Files in Executables and Libraries Using GCC

Embracing resource files within executables and shared libraries can enhance security, maintainability, and space efficiency. To accomplish this with GCC, various approaches are available.

Option 1: Linking Using objcopy

objcopy, a utility from GNU binutils, can extract binary data from a file and incorporate it into an executable's data section.

objcopy -B i386 -I binary -O elf32-i386 foo-data.bin foo-data.o

This creates a foo-data.o object file that can be linked into the executable. The corresponding C interface allows access to the data.

Option 2: Inline Assembly via .incbin

Utilizing inline assembly with the .incbin directive enables direct inclusion of binary data within the executable's memory image.

.incbin "foo-data.bin"

This approach provides enhanced control over the data's placement and enhances portability across different platforms.

Loading Embedded Resources

The embedded resources are typically loaded through the C interface generated by objcopy or accessed using pointers directly assigned in the inline assembly code. The data structure of the embedded files is defined in a separate header file.

Advantages of Embedding Resources

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