answersLogoWhite

0

"Linking" refers to providing a "reference" to the source data; if the source is deleted, the link no longer functions; many different types of files, programs, and programming interfaces refer to displaying externally located data as linking. Linking is advantageous when the data might later change and the program or file that contains the link would benefit from having the latest version of the data.

"Embedding" has a slightly different context depending on the context that you are using it. If you are referring to a file (such as a Flash file, Microsoft executable file, and so on), embedding refers to storing the data directly within the other data type. An executable can store Icon files, for example, which alter their presentation on the Desktop or Start Menu by showing an identifying image so users can tell programs apart visually. Embedding in a document file depends on the type of document file in question. Some document files store a copy of the data in the file, while other document formats simply imply that a plugin program is embedded into the document's data. Finally, applications can embed other applications within them during execution. For example, a program could be written to embed an internet Explorer web viewer into a larger program.

When embedding refers to "storing a copy", the benefit is that the source file can be deleted without affecting this dependent file. The disadvantage, of course, is that updates to the source data require updating the dependent file through whatever means available (applications have to be recompiled, documents have to be edited, etc).

When embedding refers to "running a copy of a program within another program", there are many advantages: less code has to be used each time a component is reused, the component can be upgraded independently of the main program, and a component can crash without crashing the entire application (possibly including recovering data from the failed component). The disadvantage of embedding is, of course, memory usage will be higher than having a single, unified program.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?