what is .obj for

[jagoly]

noobtastic question:

I keep all my source code and executables in one directory (for now) for easy command-line access. when ever i compile something with my compiler (Microsoft visual c++ express command line) it creates a .exe as well as a .obj which clutters up my directory. What are the .obj files for?

[Null]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Object_file