Executable Code Golf - Making Tiny Binaries for Constrained Systems
Explore executable code golf techniques for creating tiny binaries in constrained systems during this 42-minute conference talk from linux.conf.au. Dive into the challenges of rewriting algorithms and data structures to minimize binary size, and learn about alternatives to common executable packers like UPX. Discover the XLINK project, an open-source compressing linker implementing PAQ-based compression for older DOS embedded platforms and experimental 32-bit ELF targets. Gain insights into the PAQ compression algorithm, assembly code for decompression, and the advantages of applying compression during linking. Examine size-optimization tricks available at link-time, open research problems in executable compression, and potential future developments like individual function compression for patching existing binaries. Ideal for developers working on embedded or IoT applications with limited disk space and memory.