> Now check if any symbols are missing again and repeat until done. That properly describes linking using --start-group/--end-group. Without those flags, the

> Now check if any symbols are missing again and repeat until done. That properly describes linking using --start-group/--end-group. Without those flags, the process is closer to "look in the first .a file for definitions of all currently undefined symbols; then look in the next .a file for definitions of remaining undefined symbols; etc.". The difference becomes apparent if you link chains of libraries in the wrong order, or if you have cyclic dependencies between libraries; normally they will not be resolved unless you use the grouping flags. (But really, you should avoid making such cycles in the first place!)