Re: libpcap.so.0 or libpcap.a?
>>>>> "meepmeep" == meepmeep <neophyte@when2click.com> writes:
meepmeep> I'm trying to compile dsniff and when I try to configure
meepmeep> it, it complains that it cannot find libcap.a. I found
meepmeep> a libpcap.so.0 somewhere else. Is this the equivalent
meepmeep> or does this specifically need libpcap.a?
No. ".a" files (archives) contain several object files (.o) for
static linking. Thus, these are named "static libraries".
".so" libraries are "shared objec" libraries, linked to at runtime.
Because so much of the basic code in an operating system is common
from one application to another, it would be a terrible bloat to link
in all library functions statically in every program. Thus, shared
libraries are typically used as often as possible.
To find out what debian package contains a particular file, go to:
http://www.debian.org/distrib/packages
In the last search box, enter "libpcap.a".
Hint: Static .a libraries are usually found in -dev packages.
-tor
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