What is a symbol in Elf?

Symbols are a symbolic reference to some type of data or code such as a global variable or function. For instance, the printf() function is going to have a symbol entry that points to it in the dynamic symbol table .

How do I view ELF symbols?

To find where a symbol is placed in an ELF image file, use the –text -s -v options to view the symbol table and detailed information on each segment and section header, for example: The symbol table identifies the section where the symbol is placed.

How do I find symbols in so files?

so files, the NDK toolchain comes with the required tools mentioned in the other answers: readelf , objdump and nm . Show activity on this post. Try adding -l to the nm flags in order to get the source of each symbol.

In which section of Elf Is there a weak symbol?

A weak symbol denotes a specially annotated symbol during linking of Executable and Linkable Format (ELF) object files. By default, without any annotation, a symbol in an object file is strong. During linking, a strong symbol can override a weak symbol of the same name.

What is an ELF image?

ELF files are Executable Linkable Format which consists of a symbol look-ups and relocatable table, that is, it can be loaded at any memory address by the kernel and automatically, all symbols used, are adjusted to the offset from that memory address where it was loaded into.

How do I decode an ELF file?

you can use readelf and objdump to read parts of an elf file. You can also use ‘hexdump filename’ to get a hexdump of the contents of a binary file (this is likely only useful if you like reading machine code or you are writing an assembler).

What ELF file contains?

An elf file contains the bin information but it is surrounded by lots of other information, possible debug info, symbols, can distinguish code from data within the binary.

What is a strong symbol?

The Bear. A popular animal in the legends of many cultures worldwide, the bear is a famous symbol for strength, tenacity and courage. Bears rely on power, brute strength and their inner courage for their survival and in the ancient times they were respected and feared because of their ferocity.

What are ELF sections?

2.1 Sections of an ELF File. A section is the smallest unit of an object that can be relocated. Use the elfdump command to inspect the components of an object or executable file generated by the assembler.