Program fragments, linking, and modularization

TL;DR: This paper proposes a framework where each module is separately compiled to a self-contained entity called a linkset; it is shown that separately compiled, compatible modules can be safely linked together.

Abstract: Module mechanisms have received considerable theoretical attention, but the associated concepts of separate compilation and linking have not been emphasized Anomalous module systems have emerged in functional and object-oriented programming where software components are not separately typecheckable and compilable In this paper we provide a context where linking can be studied, and separate compilability can be formally stated and checked We propose a framework where each module is separately compiled to a self-contained entity called a linkset; we show that separately compiled, compatible modules can be safely linked together