Removing unused functions/dead code

["Dr. Torsten Rupp" <rupp at aicas dot com>]

Hi,

I have a question concerning removing unused functions/dead code. I
could not find any hint to this in the gcc documentation.

I created with gcc and ar a library containing object files with
many functions. When I link the library either with gcc or ld to
a compiled application all functions of an object file in the
library a linked to the application, even only a single independant
function from an object file is needed. Is it possible with
gcc/ld to remove unused function when the application is linked?
For me is looks like it should be possible in the case when no
reference to an unused function exists (which is the definition of
unsed).

If somebody knows if this is possible or can tell my why it is
not possible I'm looking forward to some email.

Thank you very much.

Torsten Rupp