Comments on: What are symbol files? http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/itanswers/what-are-symbol-files/ Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:35:47 +0000 hourly 1 By: TheFinder http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/itanswers/what-are-symbol-files/#comment-110068 TheFinder Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:14:36 +0000 http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/itanswers/what-are-symbol-files/#comment-110068 Thanks guys, I have since figured it out after I posted, but again thank you.

]]> By: TomLiotta http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/itanswers/what-are-symbol-files/#comment-110040 TomLiotta Mon, 13 Aug 2012 20:52:38 +0000 http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/itanswers/what-are-symbol-files/#comment-110040 Most likely you’re asking about debug files.
 
A lot of the program source code that you write consists of references to names, e.g., variables, branch labels, functions, etc. When the source is compiled, those names mostly disappear from compiled binary object. They are replaced by pointers, memory addresses, offsets and stuff that CPUs understand.
 
A symbol table (file) provides debuggers a way to translate those references back out to English so names that you can recognize are displayed.
 
Tom

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