A shared object file, identified by the .so extension, is a dynamically linked library used primarily in Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. Unlike static libraries, which are linked into a program at compile time, shared objects are loaded into memory at runtime when the program is executed. This allows multiple programs to share the same library code, reducing the overall size of executables and saving disk space. Furthermore, shared objects can be updated independently of the programs that use them, enabling bug fixes and feature enhancements to be deployed without requiring recompilation of the dependent applications. The dynamic linker, typically ld-linux.so, is responsible for resolving dependencies and loading the necessary shared objects into the program's address space. Shared objects contain compiled code, data, and relocation information that allows the dynamic linker to properly position the code and data in memory. They are a fundamental component of the Linux system, providing a modular and efficient way to manage code reuse and dependencies.