Inside ELF: Exploring the Core of Executable Files
Learn about Executable and Linking Format in Linux

What you will learn
In-depth understanding of the ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) file structure.
Analysis techniques to dissect ELF files and interpret their contents.
Hands-on experience with real-world examples and tutorials to solidify their knowledge of ELF file format.
Write a very minimal ELF file
Why take this course?
π Inside ELF: Exploring the Core of Executable Files π
Dive deep into the world of Linux with our latest course, "Inside ELF: Exploring the Core of Executable Files," specifically designed for those eager to understand the inner workings of executable files on Unix-like operating systems. This is your opportunity to master the ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) which stands as the standard binary format for executables, shared libraries, core dumps, and more.
π What will you learn? π
- Understanding ELF: Gain a comprehensive grasp of the ELF file format, its structure, sections, headers, and dynamic linking mechanisms.
- Compilation Process: Explore each stage of the compilation process, from pre-processing to linking, and understand how they contribute to the final executable.
- Machine Code and Assembly: Delve into the world of machine code, also known as opcode, and learn how to write ARM assembly code that can be run on QEMU.
- Assembly Syntax: Get familiar with the syntax of Assembly language, including labels, instructions, comments, and assembler directives.
- ELF Sections: Learn about the different sections in an ELF file such as
.text
,.data
, and.bss
and how they are used. - Registers and Debugging: View ARM registers using QEMU's Monitor Interface and use GDB to understand who calls the
main()
function. - Assembler Directives: Explore various assembler directives and understand their purpose in assembly code.
- Linker Scripts: Write a simple linker script file, control the layout of sections in your executable, and learn about load time addresses and runtime addresses.
- ELF Header Analysis: Use tools like
readelf
to inspect the ELF header and understand the role of relocation operations performed by the linker. - Creating Startup Code: Learn how to write startup code for copying data into RAM, BSS, and initializing the stack.
- ELF Header Coding: Write a startup code from C code that manipulates the ELF header.
- Segments vs Sections: Understand the difference between segments and sections in an ELF file.
- Dumping and Debugging ELF Files: Use
dumpelf
to dump ELF structures, and understand how changes to the ELF file can affect its functionality. - Symbol Table: Gain a deep understanding of the symbol table and what happens when you run commands like
strip
. - Minimal ELF Executable: Write a very minimal ELF executable file with a size less than 200KB.
- Size Command: Learn how to use the
size
command to get detailed information about text, data, and BSS sections.
π‘οΈ No Risk Guarantee! π‘οΈ With our "30 day money back guarantee," you have nothing to lose! If you're not satisfied with the course for any reason, we offer a full refund.
π₯ Take the Next Step in Your Linux Expertise π₯ Don't miss this opportunity to become an expert in the ELF file format. Enroll now and embark on a journey that will empower you with the skills and knowledge required to navigate the complexities of Linux executables. With engaging video tutorials, hands-on exercises, and real-world examples, you'll be well-equipped to tackle even the most challenging tasks related to ELF.
π Enroll Today and Transform Your Skills! π