What is compiler and linker?

Question

The difference

Answer 1

The compiler is responsible to create machine code from a source file. It creates what are called object files.
The linker joins one or more objects files to produce a library or an executable file.

The compiler needs the source files and the header files.
The linker needs the object files and the libraries they use.

The structure of the object files, executables and libraries depends on the ABI (application binary interface) specification.

Answer 2

here is a good explanation
http://www.c4learn.com/c-programming/compiler-vs-interpreter/