Learn how the ELF file format works
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Video description:
What is the ELF file format?
ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) is a standard file format used in Unix-like operating systems for executable files, object code, shared libraries, and core dumps. It is designed to support various functions such as dynamic linking, executable generation, and core file creation. The flexibility and extensibility of the format make it an essential part of system-level programming on Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD, and other Unix-based systems. The ELF file is divided into three main sections: the ELF header, the program header table, and the section header table, each of which serves different purposes in the file's execution and linking processes.

COFF vs. ELF file format
COFF (Common Object File Format) and ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) are both file formats for executable files, object code, and shared libraries. COFF, used primarily in older Unix systems and some Windows applications, is simpler but less flexible than ELF. ELF, designed as a successor to COFF, offers advanced features such as better support for dynamic linking and more detailed metadata structures. While COFF uses fixed-size headers and is relatively straightforward, ELF's extensible and modular design allows for more complex and powerful executable file management. As a result, ELF has become the preferred format for modern Unix-like operating systems because it offers more capabilities and efficiency in program execution and development.

ELF file format vs. Windows PE file format
The ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) and Windows PE (Portable Executable) file formats serve similar purposes on different operating systems. ELF is the standard for Unix-like systems, including Linux, while PE is used on Windows. Both formats encapsulate executable code, data, and metadata required for program execution and dynamic linking. However, they differ significantly in structure and design principles. ELF is more flexible and supports features such as position-independent code (PIC) and dynamic loading more easily. In contrast, PE is tailored to the Windows environment and integrates tightly with the Windows Loader and operating system features such as the Win32 API. While ELF provides extensive support for various Unix system features, PE's design focuses on Windows-specific features, making each format optimal for its respective operating system.

Time stamp:
00:00 ELF file format header
1:35 Malcore.io = THANKS
02:38 ELF header continued
03:30 Programme heading
05:10 Section headings
06:03 Handling and attributes

️ Tags:
What is the ELF header
COFF charger
ELF file structure
executable and linkable format
COFF file format
COFF header
COFF header file
COFF file structure
COFF file sections
executable and linkable file format
ELF file
What is the ELF header?
ELF Loader
What is the ELF header
COFF header
COFF format
What is the ELF format?
ELF header file
Reverse engineering of ELF files
ELF file analysis
Wondering what the ELF header is? It is the first section of an ELF file that contains important metadata. The COFF Loader is used to load COFF files into memory. The ELF file structure includes the ELF header, program header, and section header. The Executable and Linkable Format (ELF) is standard for Unix-like systems. The COFF file format is an older format used in Unix and some Windows systems. COFF headers contain information required for loading and linking. The COFF header file contains the definitions for the COFF format. The COFF file structure organizes code, data, and other information. COFF file sections contain specific types of data, such as code or relocations. The Executable and Linkable Format is commonly used for executable files and shared libraries. An ELF file is an instance of the ELF format used in Unix-like systems. What is the ELF header? It is the part of the ELF file that provides important information for execution. The ELF loader loads ELF files into memory for execution.
How to analyze the ELF header
COFF file format
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Reverse engineering the ELF file format
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Explanation of the ELF file format
COFF file format
Explanation of the ELF file format
Reverse engineering of ELF files
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COFF files
ELF file sections
ELF Loader
Debugging ELF files
COFF files
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ELF header

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