What is an ELF?

An ELF file (Executable and Linkable Format) is a standard file format for executable files, object code, shared libraries, and core dumps in Unix and Unix-like operating systems such as Linux, Solaris, and macOS. It’s basically a blueprint that tells the operating system how to run a program or load a library.  

What do ELF files do?

ELF files contain:

• Instructions: The machine code that the computer’s processor executes.
• Data: The information that the program needs to operate.
• Linking information: Instructions on how to combine the file with other libraries or object files to create a complete program.

Where do ELF files come from?

• Compilers and linkers: They are generated when you compile source code (like C or C++) into machine code.
• System libraries: Operating systems come with many pre-built ELF files that provide common functions for programs.
• Software developers: Developers create ELF files when building applications for Unix-like systems.

Are ELF files safe?

ELF files can be safe, but they can also be used to distribute malware. It’s important to be cautious when running ELF files from unknown or untrusted sources.

How to run an ELF file: You typically run an ELF file from the command line in a Unix-like environment:

1. Open a terminal.
2. Navigate to the directory containing the ELF file using the cd command.
3. Make the file executable using the command chmod +x <filename>
4. Run the file by typing ./<filename>

Example:

If you have an ELF file named “myprogram” in your Downloads folder:

cd Downloads
chmod +x myprogram
./myprogram 

Important notes:

• ELF files are specific to Unix-like operating systems and generally won’t run on Windows.
• Be cautious when executing ELF files from untrusted sources, as they could potentially harm your system.
• You can use tools like readelf or objdump to examine the contents of an ELF file.