Segment mapping in an ELF file

Question

ELF files consists of sections based on their contents such as .data,.text, .rodata etc and these sections are grouped into segments that guide how the ELF is mapped/loaded into the memory (Virtual/Physical mappings). These segments are formed by grouping bunch of sections together in the ELF.

example:

 Section to Segment mapping:
  Segment Sections...
   00     .hash .dynsym .dynstr .rela.dyn .rela.plt 
   01     .plt .text 
   02     .rodata 
   03     .data.rel.ro .dynamic .got .got.plt .data .version_section .bss 
   04     .dynamic

I want to know how this grouping of sections is determined. Is is possible to control this grouping into segments. For example I would like to have .version_section as a separate segment altogether. Any idea how I would I go about this?

If linker script commands can be used then it would be great to know which ones. Thanks in advance. :)

AShelly AShelly · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-05T23:39:58

Assuming you are talking about gcc, it looks like you can use the --script option to provide ld with detailed instructions using their Command Script language

Segment mapping in an ELF file

1 Answers