Absolute Loading Scheme: Which Loader Function Is Done by the Programmer?
In operating systems and computer architecture textbooks, the absolute loading scheme is contrasted with relocating and dynamic linking schemes. In an absolute loading scheme, the program is loaded “as-is” into memory at the addresses the programmer assumes, so the loader has less work to do for relocation/linking. This leads to the key idea: the programmer provides the memory placement (allocation) and ensures correct inter-module addresses, while the loader mainly copies the program into memory without performing relocation-style adjustments.
A typical framing is that loader responsibilities include:
- allocation
- linking
- reallocation
Under absolute loading, the program’s addresses are fixed, so reallocation (relocation adjustment) is not needed by the loader, and the remaining “work” is shifted toward programmer-chosen addresses (allocation/linking expectations). Hence the correct option is (iv) Both (i) and (ii).
Answer: (iv) Both (i) and (ii)
Footnotes
-
Absolute loading scheme (loader responsibilities, programmer-fixed addresses, minimal loader relocation/link-time transformations). Source: https://www.studytonight.com/operating-system/loader-and-linking (Includes explanation contrasting absolute/relocating loading and responsibilities). ↩
type="tip" title="Exam strategy" content="If a question mentions absolute loading (fixed addresses), immediately eliminate options involving reallocation/relocation. Then identify whether the remaining responsibilities (memory placement and external references) are effectively satisfied by programmer-provided fixed addresses—often leading to allocation + linking. "
Footnotes
-
Absolute loading scheme (loader responsibilities, programmer-fixed addresses, minimal loader relocation/link-time transformations). Source: https://www.studytonight.com/operating-system/loader-and-linking (Includes explanation contrasting absolute/relocating loading and responsibilities). ↩
type="warning" title="Common misconception" content="Many students think “linking” is always done by the loader. In absolute loading, because addresses/references are assumed fixed and external fixups are minimized, the programmer’s choice of layout/addresses plays the dominant role; the loader does not need to perform the usual relocation/link-time transformations. "
Footnotes
-
Absolute loading scheme (loader responsibilities, programmer-fixed addresses, minimal loader relocation/link-time transformations). Source: https://www.studytonight.com/operating-system/loader-and-linking (Includes explanation contrasting absolute/relocating loading and responsibilities). ↩
Reasoning Steps to Select the Correct Option
- 1Step 1
Absolute loading implies fixed addresses, so relocation-style address correction is not required by the loader.
- 2Step 2
If addresses are already absolute and correct, then the option involving (iii) is eliminated.
- 3Step 3
With fixed placement and address expectations, the programmer must ensure memory placement (allocation) and the correctness of module relationships (linking).
- 4Step 4
Therefore, the correct choice is (iv) Both (i) and (ii).
How Responsibilities Differ Across Loader Styles (High-Level)
Fixed addresses
AbsoluteLoader can mainly copy; programmer ensures placement + reference consistency. "
Footnotes
-
Absolute loading scheme (loader responsibilities, programmer-fixed addresses, minimal loader relocation/link-time transformations). Source: https://www.studytonight.com/operating-system/loader-and-linking (Includes explanation contrasting absolute/relocating loading and responsibilities). ↩
Address adjustment needed
Relocating/dynamicLoader must modify addresses and/or resolve references at load time. (Contrast) "
Footnotes
-
Absolute loading scheme (loader responsibilities, programmer-fixed addresses, minimal loader relocation/link-time transformations). Source: https://www.studytonight.com/operating-system/loader-and-linking (Includes explanation contrasting absolute/relocating loading and responsibilities). ↩
Quick Clarifications
Knowledge Check
In an absolute loading scheme, which loader function is accomplished by the programmer?