ranlib(1)
NAME
ranlib − convert archives to random libraries
SYNTAX
ranlib archive...
DESCRIPTION
The ranlib command converts each archive by adding a table of contents named __.SYMDEF to the beginning of the archive to a form which can be loaded more rapidly by the loader. It uses ar(1) to reconstruct the archive, so that sufficient temporary file space must be available in the file system containing the current directory.
RESTRICTIONS
Because generation of a library by the ar command and randomization by ranlib are separate, phase errors are possible. The ld loader warns when the modification date of a library is more recent than the creation of its dictionary; but this means you get the warning even if you only copy the library.