ELF files exist as 3 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Nintendo Wii Game File
General Information
| Title | ELF File Extension |
| Extension | .elf |
| Full Form | Executable and Linkable Format |
| File Type | Game File |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| MIME Type | application/x-executable |
File Function
| Primary Function | Executable code |
| Additional Functions | Debugging, Patching |
| Features | Binary code, Linkable |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High performance |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes, with tools |
Use Cases
| Game Development | Yes |
| Software Modding | Yes |
| Homebrew Apps | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Executable malware |
| Best Practices | Verified sources, Secure distribution |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2006 |
| Latest Version | Depends on game |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .dol, .iso, .wad |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Dolphin Emulator |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| DevkitPro |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 2: Executable and Linkable Format File
The Executable and Linkable Format (ELF) is a common file format for executable files, object code, shared libraries, and core dumps. First used in Unix System V Release 4 (SVR4), it was quickly accep...
General Information
| Title | ELF File Extension |
| Extension | .elf |
| Full Form | Executable and Linkable Format File |
| File Type | Binary Executable File |
| Developer | UNIX System Laboratories |
| MIME Type | application/x-executable |
File Function
| Primary Function | Program execution |
| Additional Functions | Linking, System libraries |
| Features | Binary code, Multiple architectures |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Highly efficient |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | No, Binary |
Use Cases
| System Software | Yes |
| Embedded Systems | Yes |
| Application Software | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Executable malware |
| Best Practices | Binary analysis, Secure distribution |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980s |
| Latest Specification | ELF-64 Version 1.2 |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .o, .so, .prx, .puff |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) |
Free | Various |
| GNU Debugger (GDB) |
Free | Various |
| readelf |
Free | Various |
Type 3: PlayStation Executable
Learn about ELF file extension and associated software programs. Sometimes the ELF files are modified to modify the PlayStation gameplay. The PlayStation ELF files use the "Executable and Linkable For...
General Information
| Title | ELF File Extension |
| Extension | .elf |
| Full Form | Executable and Linkable Format |
| File Type | Binary Executable File |
| Developer | Sony |
| MIME Type | application/x-executable |
File Function
| Primary Function | Run programs |
| Additional Functions | Debugging, Patching |
| Features | Executable, Linkable |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High performance |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | With tools |
Use Cases
| Console Gaming | Yes |
| Software Testing | Yes |
| Homebrew Development | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Executable tampering |
| Best Practices | Integrity checks, Secure distribution |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2000 |
| Latest Version | Varies by software |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .prx, .pup, .pbp |