TL;DR
Zig’s latest ELF linker update allows for fast incremental rebuilds on x86_64 Linux, supporting building the Zig compiler with LLVM and LLD. The feature is currently limited to this platform and lacks DWARF debug info support. Next steps include adding debug info and broader testing.
Zig’s new ELF linker has reached a milestone by being able to build the Zig compiler with LLVM and LLD libraries enabled, supporting fast incremental compilation on x86_64 Linux.
Matthew Lugg, a Zig developer, detailed recent improvements to the ELF linker introduced in Zig 0.16.0. The updated linker now supports building the self-hosted Zig compiler with external libraries like LLVM and LLD, a task that was previously unsupported.
Most notably, the new linker now allows for fast incremental rebuilds, significantly reducing build times during development. On x86_64 Linux, developers can now perform incremental rebuilds of external libraries, C sources, and the compiler itself without performance penalties. For example, rebuilds that previously took several seconds now complete in under 300 milliseconds.
However, the current implementation does not yet support generating DWARF debug information, which remains a priority for future updates. The improvements are available to users on the master branch, with a recommendation for those testing it to report bugs.
Why It Matters
This development matters because it enhances the efficiency of Zig development workflows, especially for developers working on large codebases or using print debugging. Faster rebuilds can significantly improve productivity and iteration speed, making Zig more attractive for complex projects.
While the feature is currently limited to Linux and x86_64 architectures, it demonstrates the potential for broader platform support in future updates. The absence of DWARF debug info support is a current limitation, but the progress indicates a focus on optimizing developer experience.
Linux ELF linker development tools
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Background
The ELF linker improvements follow earlier work on the Zig build system and linker introduced in 2026. Previously, Zig relied on a more monolithic build process, which was slower and less flexible. The recent changes are part of ongoing efforts to modernize the build process and improve compile times, especially with features like –watch and –fuzz.
The update aligns with Zig’s broader goals of becoming a more developer-friendly language, emphasizing incremental compilation and build speed. The progress on the ELF linker complements other recent system reworks, such as the separation of the build process into configurer and maker components announced in late May 2026.
“The biggest milestone is that the new ELF linker can now build the Zig compiler with LLVM and LLD enabled, supporting fast incremental compilation on Linux.”
— Matthew Lugg
“While it currently doesn’t support DWARF debug info, the speed improvements alone make it a valuable tool for debugging and development workflows.”
— Matthew Lugg
incremental build system for Linux
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear when support for DWARF debug information will be added or if the improvements will be extended to other architectures and platforms beyond x86_64 Linux. The stability and performance of the linker in large or complex projects are still being evaluated.
LLVM LLD linker for Linux
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What’s Next
The next steps include implementing DWARF debug support, testing the new linker across different environments, and possibly expanding platform compatibility. Developers are encouraged to try the feature and report issues.
Zig compiler development kit
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Key Questions
What is the main benefit of the new ELF linker?
The main benefit is enabling fast incremental rebuilds, significantly reducing build times during development, especially on Linux x86_64 systems.
Does the new linker support debugging information?
No, support for DWARF debug information is currently missing but is a planned feature for future updates.
Is this feature available in stable releases of Zig?
No, it is available on the master branch as of May 2026. Users on tagged releases will need to wait until the next stable release, expected after Zig 0.17.0.
Can this linker be used on platforms other than Linux?
Currently, the improvements are limited to x86_64 Linux; support for other platforms has not been announced and is still under development.
How can I test the new linker features?
Users on the master branch of Zig can enable the new linker with specific build commands and should report any bugs or issues encountered.
Source: Hacker News
