A software developer wants to ensure that an application includes all required libraries during compile time, allowing it to run independently without external dependencies. Which of the following describes this process?

The process being described is known as using a statically linked library. This means that the libraries the application depends on are included directly within the final executable at compile time. When a developer statically links a library, all the necessary code from that library is combined with the application's code, resulting in a single executable file. This is beneficial as it allows the application to run independently of any external libraries or environmental factors, as all required functionality is contained within the executable itself.

In contrast, dynamically linked libraries rely on external dependencies that must be present at runtime, which can lead to issues if those dependencies are not available or compatible with the application. Statically linking libraries helps avoid runtime dependency problems and simplifies distribution because the executable is self-contained. This makes it particularly useful in environments where the runtime library versions may vary, ensuring consistent behavior across different deployment scenarios.