In Computing, a loader is a Computer program that performs the functions of a Linker program and then immediately schedules the resulting executable program for action (in the form of a memory image), without necessarily saving the program as an executable file.

Loader programs are useful for prototype, testing, and one-off applications. One such program was an integral part of Gene Amdahl s original OS/360 operating system, and this loader facility was continued through OS/360 s descendants including MVT, MVS and z/OS.

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