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Apple uses dynamic linking to enable its OSes to evolve. Apple's libraries talk to daemons using IPC protocols such as XPC or MIG; if those libraries were stati
by ridiculous_fish 4y ago
Apple uses dynamic linking to enable its OSes to evolve. Apple's libraries talk to daemons using IPC protocols such as XPC or MIG; if those libraries were statically linked, the daemons would have to support old protocols forever. And when Apple changes the appearance of its UI, they want all apps to get the changes immediately, and not wait for the apps to be recompiled. For example, way back I implemented window resizing from all sides and every app just got it on day 1; no recompilation necessary!
- ip26 4y agoAs a late inductee to their ecosystem, I think this strategy is paying off for them. Not sure if this angle was ever pitched as part of the dynamic/static holy wars, aside from security patches.
- saagarjha 4y agoIt’s the main reason why dynamic linking is popular. It’s just that the people on Hacker News often write client software for Linux rather than having to deal with ABI compatibility :)