compile-time binding

noun

UK /kəmˈpaɪl taɪm ˈbaɪndɪŋ/

US /kəmˈpaɪl taɪm ˈbaɪndɪŋ/

When a computer decides something about a program before the program starts running.

The compiler uses compile-time binding to connect the function call to its code before the program runs.

SYNONYMS

static binding early binding static linking compile-time resolution

RELATED WORDS

compiler runtime binding linker type checking symbol resolution

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The process of fixing the memory address of a variable or function during compilation rather than at runtime.

Global variables often use compile-time binding so their addresses are fixed in the executable.

3. A programming language feature where method calls are resolved based on the declared type at compile time.

In C++, non-virtual methods use compile-time binding, so the call is decided by the pointer's type.

4. The association of identifiers with their values or definitions before execution begins.

Constants defined with the const keyword benefit from compile-time binding for better optimization.