Statifier is a tool for creating portable, self-containing Linux executables.

Statifier create from dynamically linked executables and all it's libraries one file.
This file can be copied and run on another machine without need to drag all it's libraries.

Dynamically linked executables are smaller then statically linked.
From the other side dynamically linked executables use shared libraries compiled in PIC (position independend code) which is slower than "normal" one.

Files, created by statifier ("pseudo-static") combine disadvantages of both of them:

• Huge - much bigger than statically linked
• Still use PIC code

So, why one will use it ?
Ok, "pseudo-static" files have some advantages too:

• Everything in one file - so distributing is simple
• Same file can be used for computers with different libraries' versions
• Faster startup

• there is no source code available
• there is no compiler (or build-chain) available
• static link does not work or it's not obvious how do it
• to preserve memory layout - static link will change it and may "wake-up" hidden bugs
• for "permanent link" LD_PRELOAD library into executable

Supported platforms

• linux x86
• linux x86_64
• linux alpha (was dropped in version 1.7.0)

There is another solution: Ermine. Ermine, unlike statifier not affected by stack/VDSO randomization. Statifier and Ermine features compared here

Usefull (I hope) additional

There is a rrp_statify package, a plugin for rpmrebuild which allow statify all executables in the package.

If you have suggestions/ideas/bug report you can send it to mailing list or forums

If it work for you I am curious to know what is your platform:

• x86/x86_64/alpha
• distribution
• kernel version
• libc/loader version

Statifier distributed under GPL