Apple Inc.

Next Software, Inc.

Next Computer, Inc.

Kevin Enderby

Avadis Tevanian

Douglas Wiebe

Michael DeMoney

Garth Snyder

Nick G Kledzik

Steve Naroff

A system and method for dynamically loading object modules is described herein. In one embodiment, the method comprising loading a first set of instructions into a memory unit, wherein the first set of instructions includes an unresolved reference to a second set of instructions, and wherein the loading includes replacing the unresolved reference with an address of a third set of instructions. The method also includes executing instructions of the first set and executing instructions of the third set to determine the address of the second set. The method also includes loading instructions of the second set into the memory unit, after determining the address of the second set. Additionally, the method includes executing instructions of the second set.

System and method for dynamically loading object modules

The present invention is a method that enables single release of applications for multiple architectures and operating systems and to provide ease of use of applications in multiple architecture environments. The present invention provides a single file that contains separate object code each of multiple architectures. A special header on the file identifies each section of object code and includes pointers to its starting location. When the file is to be executed on a particular architecture, the resident operating system identifies that block of object code most suited for that particular architecture and environment. That section of code is then loaded into memory for execution. Each architecture in the file is specified by CPU-type and CPU sub-type. For each CPU type or CPU sub-type, file offset, file size and alignment is also provided. Padded bytes are provided to place each member on its specific alignment. These padded bytes are undefined and can be left as 'holes' if the file system cannot support them. The appropriate architecture can be picked at compile time and compilers that can run on any architecture are provided to perform the translation.

Method and apparatus for architecture independent executable files

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Redwood City, CA, United States of America

Kevin Enderby