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(libtool.info)Libtool paradigm

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The libtool paradigm
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   At first, libtool was designed to support an arbitrary number of
library object types.  After libtool was ported to more platforms, a new
paradigm gradually developed for describing the relationship between
libraries and programs.

   In summary, "libraries are programs with multiple entry points, and
more formally defined interfaces."

   Version 0.7 of libtool was a complete redesign and rewrite of
libtool to reflect this new paradigm.  So far, it has proved to be
successful: libtool is simpler and more useful than before.

   The best way to introduce the libtool paradigm is to contrast it with
the paradigm of existing library systems, with examples from each.  It
is a new way of thinking, so it may take a little time to absorb, but
when you understand it, the world becomes simpler.