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|  How to Fix Linker Script Errors: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Fix Linker Script Errors: Step-by-Step Guide

October 14, 2024

Step-by-step guide for firmware developers in C to fix linker script errors with ease. Enhance your coding workflow by troubleshooting effectively.

How to Fix Linker Script Errors: Step-by-Step Guide

 

Identify the Error Message

  • Linker script errors usually have descriptive messages. Start by reading the error output carefully.
  • Look for symbols that could not be resolved, addresses that overlap, or unexpected memory region behaviors.

 

Review the Linker Script

  • Verify that the linker script matches your microcontroller's or processor's memory specification. Ensure that FLASH and RAM sizes are correctly defined.
  • Check the syntax of your script. Common issues arise from missing sections or incorrect memory alignment.

 

Examine the Memory Sections

  • Ensure all sections like `.text`, `.data`, `.bss`, and custom sections have correct memory regions assigned.
  • Review attribute placements in your code. For instance, placing code in the correct section by using GCC `__attribute__((section(".mysection")))`.

 

Check Symbol Definitions

  • Review the definitions of symbols that the linker cannot resolve. Ensure they are correctly declared in your code and properly referenced in assembly if used.
  • Examine any conditional compilation (`#ifdef`s) that might exclude necessary code in certain build configurations.

 

Adjust Memory Allocation

  • If sections are too large, review code for large arrays or buffers and consider reducing or dynamically allocating them.
  • Check alignment settings, especially for sections requiring specific boundaries.

 

Verify External Dependencies

  • Check for library versions and compile settings to ensure compatibility. A mismatched ABI can cause linking errors.
  • Make sure paths to external libraries and headers are correctly specified in makefiles or build-system scripts.

 

Use Map Files

  • Enable generation of a map file when linking. This provides a detailed view of memory usage and symbol locations.
  • Check the map file to understand where each section and symbol is placed. This helps diagnose overlaps or address alignment issues.

 

Incremental Approach

  • Simplify your code to the smallest example that still causes the error. Segregate sections to see which change resolves the issue.
  • Gradually re-integrate your code changes to ensure that errors do not re-appear, enhancing your understanding of the root cause.

 

Seek Community Help

  • If stuck, consult with online communities and forums related to your hardware or toolchain. Often, others have faced similar issues.
  • Provide a detailed description and any error messages when seeking assistance to streamline the troubleshooting process.

 

Example: Custom Section Placement

  • To place a specific function in a custom section, declare it like this:
    void MyFunction(void) **attribute**((section(".custom\_section")));
  • Then define the `.custom_section` in your linker script:
    SECTIONS {
      .custom\_section : {
        KEEP(\*(.custom\_section))
      } > RAM
    }

 

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