What is AR?
AR is a file format used for storing library files on Unix-like systems, such as Linux and macOS. It stands for “archive,” and is used to package multiple object files, such as compiled C or C++ programs, into a single file for easier distribution and management. AR files are typically identified by the .a file extension.
How does AR work?
AR works by combining multiple object files into a single file, along with metadata about each file, such as its name, size, and permissions. The object files in an AR file are typically compiled versions of source code files, such as C or C++ programs. AR files can also be compressed using programs such as GZIP or BZIP2 to reduce their size.
Advantages of AR
There are several advantages to using AR for storing library files:
- AR allows multiple object files to be combined into a single file, which can be convenient for distributing and managing libraries.
- AR supports compression, which reduces the size of the library file and makes it faster to transfer over a network.
- AR is widely supported on Unix-like systems, with support for the format built into many tools and utilities.
- AR is open-source, which means that it can be freely used and modified by anyone.
Uses of AR
AR is primarily used to package and distribute library files on Unix-like systems. It is also commonly used to create custom libraries for specific projects or applications.