what exactly are files that end in .so

rolandkirk55 · 09-06-2004, 11:55 PM

I am trying to learn linux using a redhat enterprise clone. I have noticed, when I am trying to install rpms, that missing dependent files usually end in .so. Are these dynamic libraries? And if lost can they be simply downloaded or must they be compiled on your system. I suspect you could uninstall whatever it was part of and reinstall it. Thanks for any info.

Archite · 09-07-2004, 12:28 AM

From what I understand they are usually modules of some sord allowing other code to access public functions within. You may have to install the original programs to get them back if needed.

btmiller · 09-07-2004, 12:41 AM

That's pretty much correct ... basically think of .so files as the *nix version of the .dll (actually, it's the other way around, but why split hairs).

Archite · 09-07-2004, 01:31 AM

See what happens when one writes there response in two seconds while trying to fly out the door to work, haha.... At least I made it to work

1 outa 2 ain't bad, LoL.

rolandkirk55 · 09-07-2004, 04:05 PM

Thanks. I have learned a valuable lesson about playing around in root, it's su and sudo from here on out for sure.