# libtool > A generic library support script that hides the complexity of using shared libraries behind a consistent, portable interface. > More information: . - Compile a source file into a `libtool` object: `libtool --mode=compile gcc -c {{path/to/source.c}} -o {{path/to/source.lo}}` - Create a library or an executable: `libtool --mode=link gcc -o {{path/to/library.lo}} {{path/to/source.lo}}` - Automatically set the library path so that another program can use uninstalled `libtool` generated programs or libraries: `libtool --mode=execute gdb {{path/to/program}}` - Install a shared library: `libtool --mode=install cp {{path/to/library.la}} {{path/to/installation_directory}}` - Complete the installation of `libtool` libraries on the system: `libtool --mode=finish {{path/to/installation_dir}}` - Delete installed libraries or executables: `libtool --mode=uninstall {{path/to/installed_library.la}}` - Delete uninstalled libraries or executables: `libtool --mode=clean rm {{path/to/source.lo}} {{path/to/library.la}}`