Link time
In computing, link time is the duration of time when a linker is creating an executable. Link time is a phase in the operational life cycle of a program as it transitions from development to execution. It occurs after compilation and before execution.
Operations performed at link time usually include fixing up the addresses of externally referenced objects and functions, various kinds of cross module checks. Some optimizing compilers delay code generation until link time because it is here that information about a complete program is available to them. Resolving external variables in a program is also done at link time. The liker may also perform optimizations.
The definition of a programming language may specify link time requirements that must be met. It is common to speak of link time operations or link time requirements.
In some programming languages it may be necessary for some compilation and linking to occur at runtime.