NLIST(3)

NAME
nlist - retrieve symbol table name list from an executable file

LIBRARY
libc

SYNOPSIS
#include <nlist.h>
int
nlist(const char *filename, struct nlist *nl);

DESCRIPTION
The nlist() function is provided for compatibility with legacy applications. Its use is discouraged. The nlist() function retrieves name list entries from elf(5) sections with type SHT_DYNSYM or SHT_SYMTAB in an ELF object (for example, an executable file or shared library). The argument nl is set to reference the beginning of the list. The list is preened of binary and invalid data; if an entry in the name list is valid, the n_type and n_value for the entry are copied into the list referenced by nl. No other data is copied. The last entry in the list is always NULL.

RETURN VALUES
The number of invalid entries is returned if successful; otherwise, if the file filename does not exist or is not executable, the returned value is -1.

SEE ALSO
elf(5), stab(5)

HISTORY
A nlist() function appeared in AT&T UNIX.