answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

There is no such standard since different architectures support different executable formats while some support multiple formats. For instance, Windows 32-bit supports MZ (DOS) and PE format, while 64-bit also supports PE32+, all of which have an EXE file extension. Windows also supports the older COM (DOS) format. But, as with most file extensions, the extension is simply a method of organising files by type and for associating file types to specific applications, but they tell you nothing about the file itself. Only by physically loading the file and examining its header (if it has one) can the operating system determine its actual type. In other words, renaming a COM file to an EXE file doesn't actually change the file type; it has to be completely recompiled from source.

The Apple Mac doesn't use extensions in the same way Windows does (many Mac files have no extension at all), but machine code executables are in the Preferred Executable Format (PEF), also known as Code Fragment Manager (CFM) files.

Linux (and Unix) typically use the Executable and Link Format (ELF).

Although each format obviously has its own standard header, there is no standard header that applies to all executables across all architectures.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the standard file header for an executable file?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Engineering

What is dos.h?

A non-standard C header file that contained functions specific to accessing functions of MS-DOS. There is no need to use this header file, as there are standard libraries included in all major compilers that replace the functions in DOS.H.


What is the different between header file and header pointer?

Header file is a file which is meant to be included into another file during compilation. Examples: string.h, stdio.h, inttypes.h. Header pointer is a pointer to an object called header (for example header of a linked list).


What make a file executable?

This depends upon the operating system. In Windows, the operating system determines if a file is executable by the file extension. There are three windows executable file extensions that I know of: .exe, .com and .scr .com is the simplest executable file: it's contents are simply copied into memory and execution begins at the beginning of the file in memory. Because of this simplicity, .com files may be no larger than a little under 64KiB, and they can only be loaded into memory at address 0x0100. .exe files are more complicated: they are split up into multiple segments. The file contains a header, several tables, a .text section which contains the actual executable instructions, a .data section which contains any static or global data, and more. If the file does not match a specific structure, then the operating system will refuse to execute the file. Thus, in Windows, in order for a file to be executable, it must have the proper file extension, and it must match a specific format for that file extension.


What header file used in c code to directly access the printer?

No such thing in standard C library.


What is a header file and library function?

header files are predefined in c, they include the all necessary function to u to do your work easy instead of writing a function for printing a message or to read a input form key board we are using the library functions which are in the header files. there are different types of header files depending upon the requirement we use them.

Related questions

What do executable files usually have?

Executable files usually contain a header, which identifies it as an executable file, and a list of commands to be executed by the processor.


What is another name for executable file?

an executable file is a file that is extended longer


Is Excel an executable file?

The main Excel program file (excel.exe) is an executable file, but the workbooks it creates are not executable files.


What is the standard inputloutput header file called in most versions of C?

stdio.h


Explain executable versus non-executable files in DOS?

difference between executable file and non-executable file in dos


What is dos.h?

A non-standard C header file that contained functions specific to accessing functions of MS-DOS. There is no need to use this header file, as there are standard libraries included in all major compilers that replace the functions in DOS.H.


Which is not executable file TXT BAT COM EXE?

BAT is not an executable file in windows.


EXE is executable file?

exe is a common filename extension denoting an executable file


How do open a mp3 executable file?

An MP3 file should not be executable unless it is a malicious file. Don't open it.


Does alg exe represent an executable file?

Putting '.exe' after a file name means that it is an executable file. This means that it is a program that can run by its self. So, yes, exe does represent an executable file.


What is the different between header file and header pointer?

Header file is a file which is meant to be included into another file during compilation. Examples: string.h, stdio.h, inttypes.h. Header pointer is a pointer to an object called header (for example header of a linked list).


What is the header file of graphics?

The header file of graphics in TurboC is graphics.h