Direct Bindings

As part of constructing a process from a dynamic executable and a number of dependencies, the runtime linker must bind symbol references to symbol definitions. By default, symbol definitions are discovered using a simple search model. Typically, each object is searched, starting with the dynamic executable, and progressing through each dependency in the same order in which the objects are loaded. This model has been in effect since dynamic linking was first introduced. This simple model typically results in all symbol references being bound to one definition. The bound definition is the first definition that is found in the series of dependencies that have been loaded.

Dynamic executables have evolved into far more complex processes than the executables that were developed when dynamic linking was in its infancy. The number of dependencies has grown from tens to hundreds. The number of symbolic interfaces that are referenced between dynamic objects has also grown substantially. The size of symbol names has increased considerably with techniques such as the name mangling used to support languages such as C++. These factors have contributed to an increase in startup time for many applications, as symbol references are bound to symbol definitions.

The increase in the number of symbols within a process has also led to an increase in namespace pollution. Multiple instances of symbols of the same name are becoming more common. Unanticipated, and erroneous bindings that result from multiple instances of the same symbol frequently result in hard to diagnose process failures.

In addition, processes now exist where individual objects of the process need to bind to different instances of multiply defined symbols of the same name.

To address the overhead of the default search model while providing greater symbol binding flexibility, an alternative symbol search model has been created. This model is referred to as direct binding.

Direct binding allows for precise binding relationships to be established between the objects of a process. Direct binding relationships can help avoid any accidental namespace clashes, by isolating the associated objects from unintentional bindings. This protection adds to the robustness of the objects within a process, which can help avoid unexpected, hard to diagnose, binding situations.

Direct bindings can affect interposition. Unintentional interposition can be avoided by employing direct bindings. However, intentional interposition can be circumvented by direct bindings.

This chapter describes the direct binding model together with discussing interposition issues that should be considered when converting objects to use this model.