Linking and symbol visibility: “Names of functions in two different source files linked into one program must be unique.” Decide whether this statement is correct or incorrect.

Introduction / Context:This question focuses on linkage and symbol visibility in C programs. When multiple object files are linked together, external symbols with the same name clash. However, C also provides internal linkage using static to confine a function’s name to its translation unit.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are talking about ordinary C functions compiled and linked into a single executable.
• Two functions may share the same identifier if they have internal linkage (static) in separate files.
• External linkage symbols must be unique within the final program.

Concept / Approach:Function names with external linkage are visible across translation units and must be unique at link time. Declaring a function as static gives it internal linkage, meaning the symbol is private to that file; multiple files may each define a static function of the same name without conflict.

Step-by-Step Solution:Case 1: extern (default) linkage in two files with same name → linker error (multiple definitions).Case 2: static linkage in each file → no collision; names are private to each file.Therefore, the blanket statement that names “must be unique” is incorrect.

Verification / Alternative check:Build two files each containing “static void helper(void){}” and link; no error occurs. Change both to “void helper(void){}” and the linker reports multiple definitions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:Correct: misses the internal linkage case.Inline/debug: do not resolve linkage-conflict fundamentals.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing storage class static with storage duration; overlooking the difference between declaration in headers (extern) and definitions in .c files.

Final Answer:Incorrect