Shared Libraries: - Definition: Dynamically linked libraries (.so on Unix, .dll on Windows) loaded at runtime. - Size: Smaller executable size; library code is not embedded in the binary. - Linking: Linked at runtime via dynamic linker; requires library presence on the system. - Updates: Can be updated independently without recompiling the executable. - Performance: Slight runtime overhead due to dynamic linking. - Distribution: Must be distributed with the executable or installed on the target system. - Memory: Shared across multiple processes, reducing memory usage. - Example: libc.so on Linux.

Static Libraries: - Definition: Archives (.a on Unix, .lib on Windows) embedded into the executable at compile time. - Size: Larger executable size; library code is included in the binary. - Linking: Linked at compile time; no external dependencies at runtime. - Updates: Requires recompilation of the executable to incorporate library updates. - Performance: Faster at runtime; no dynamic linking overhead. - Distribution: Self-contained executable; no need to distribute the library separately. - Memory: Each executable has its own copy, increasing memory usage. - Example: libc.a on Linux.

Key Differences: - Linking Time: Static at compile time; shared at runtime. - Executable Size: Static produces larger binaries; shared keeps them smaller. - Portability: Static is more portable (no runtime dependencies); shared requires compatible libraries on the system. - Maintenance: Shared allows easier library updates; static requires recompilation. - Use Case: Use static for standalone apps or specific versioning; use shared for reduced size and shared resources.