---
name: "heap2exec"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "smlnj"
version: "110.99.9-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/heap2exec"
---

# heap2exec(1)

generate standalone executable from a \*SML/NJ\* heap image.

## NAME

heap2exec - generate standalone executable from a \*SML/NJ\* heap image.

## SYNOPSIS

**heap2exec** \[ **-32** \| **-64** \] \[ *LINKMODE* \] *file*

## DESCRIPTION

Under normal usage, **SML/NJ** represents a program as a heap-image file with a name of the form `foo.arch-opsys` **Heap2exec** generates a standalone executable from a heap image. You have the option to specify a preferred linking mode.

The default is to link statically on **FreeBSD** and **Linux**.

Note that **heap2exec** is an *optional* component of the SML/NJ installation process that is not included by default.  Edit the `config/targets` file before installation to include it.

## OPTIONS

- **-32**

  run the 32-bit version of the program (currently the default).

- **-64**

  run the 64-bit version of the program.  This option only applies to the **x86-64** (aka **amd64**) architecture.

- **-static, -linkwith-a**

  statically link the program with the runtime system.  Static linking is the default on **Linux** and **FreeBSD**.

- **-dynamic, -linkwith-so**

  dynamically link the program with the runtime system.

## AUTHOR

**Heap2exec** was written by Matthias Blume.

## SEE-ALSO

[sml(1)](/sml/1.md)

## BUGS

**Heap2exec** is limited to the **x86** and **amd64** architectures and to the **macOS**, **Linux**, and **FreeBSD** operating systems.

## COPYING

Copyright © 2020 The Fellowship of SML/NJ

This is free software; see the source for copying  conditions.   There  is  NO warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.