Dynamic linking

Dynamic linking is a process where a computer program uses shared libraries or files at runtime rather than including all necessary code within itself. Think of it like using a toolkit: instead of carrying all tools, the program references external tools only when needed. This approach reduces the program's size, saves memory, and allows multiple programs to share common code efficiently. When the program runs, the operating system dynamically links, or connects, these external resources, ensuring the program has all the functions it requires without duplicating code.