A Level Computer Science OCR Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The main function of a linker in programming is to connect various components and modules in a program. A linker takes multiple object files generated by compilers from source code and combines them into a single executable program. This process includes resolving references between the different modules, such as function calls or variable accesses that span across different files. By doing this, the linker ensures that the program can run as a whole, with all its parts properly aligned and accessible.

Linkers also handle tasks such as addressing, where they assign final memory addresses to various components and ensure that the code keeps its functionality when all parts are linked together. This is crucial for creating complex applications that often rely on libraries or multiple source files.

Other functions mentioned in the incorrect options do not align with the primary responsibilities of a linker. For instance, translating high-level language into machine language pertains to the compiler's role, and releasing memory resources after execution is a task usually handled by the operating system's memory manager. Meanwhile, optimizing data structures is more associated with data structure design and efficiency considerations rather than linking code.