Subject: STM32CubeIDE Linker Error: cannot find -llibarm_cortexM4l_math.a

[Vishveshwaran]

Hello everyone,

I'm working on a project in STM32CubeIDE and I'm trying to include the CMSIS-DSP math library. During the build process, I'm running into a linker error and can't figure out what's wrong with my settings.

The error message is ld.exe: cannot find -llibarm_cortexM4l_math.a: No such file or directory.

I have added the path to the library in MCU GCC Linker > Libraries > Library search path (-L). I've also double-checked that the library file libarm_cortexM4l_math.a does exist in that path. I suspect the issue is how I'm specifying the library itself.

Here is the full command and error from the build console:

arm-none-eabi-gcc -o "stm_niso_watch_fw2_TEST.elf" @"objects.list"  -llibarm_cortexM4l_math.a -mcpu=cortex-m4 -T"C:\Users\vishv\Downloads\STM32_AI\stm_niso_watch_fw2_TEST\STM32WB5MMGHX_FLASH.ld" --specs=nosys.specs -Wl,-Map="stm_niso_watch_fw2_TEST.map" -Wl,--gc-sections -static -L"C:\Users\vishv\Downloads\CMSIS_4-master\CMSIS_4-master\CMSIS\Lib\GCC" -L"C:\Users\vishv\Downloads\STM32_AI\stm_niso_watch_fw2_TEST\Middlewares\ST\AI\Lib" -u _printf_float -Wl,--wrap=malloc -Wl,--wrap=free -u _printf_float --specs=nano.specs -mfpu=fpv4-sp-d16 -mfloat-abi=hard -mthumb -Wl,--start-group -lc -lm -Wl,--end-group

C:/ST/STM32CubeIDE_1.16.1/STM32CubeIDE/plugins/com.st.stm32cube.ide.mcu.externaltools.gnu-tools-for-stm32.13.3.rel1.win32_1.0.0.202411081344/tools/bin/../lib/gcc/arm-none-eabi/13.3.1/../../../../arm-none-eabi/bin/ld.exe: cannot find -llibarm_cortexM4l_math.a: No such file or directory
collect2.exe: error: ld returned 1 exit status
make: *** [makefile:76: stm_niso_watch_fw2_TEST.elf] Error 1

Could someone please point out what I might be doing wrong in my linker configuration?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[stevenparker0655 · Accepted solution]

Hey — running into a linker error like “cannot find -lLibArm-CortexM4L” in STM32CubeIDE usually means the build toolchain or paths are misconfigured. Here are a few suggestions to get you unstuck:

1. Check Library Name & Case Sensitivity

— Make sure the library name in your linker flags matches the actual file name (libArm-CortexM4L.a or .so) exactly (case, hyphens, etc.).

— Sometimes there’s an extra “lib” prefix or suffix mismatch.

2. Verify Library Path / Search Paths

— In your project settings (Linker → Library Search Path), ensure the directory containing that library is included.

— Use the full path if necessary, e.g. /path/to/libs rather than relative paths.

— Check both “Libraries (-l)” and “Library search path (-L)” settings.

3. Ensure Library is Compiled / Present

— Confirm the .a or .o file actually exists (check your build folder or external library folder).

— If you’re using a custom or vendor library, make sure it was built for your MCU architecture (Cortex-M4 in this case).

4. Toolchain / Architecture Mismatch

— The library must match the target architecture (arm-none-eabi for many STM32 builds).

— If you have a mismatch (e.g. using a Cortex-M7 library for M4 build), the linker won’t find it.

5. Clean & Rebuild

— Remove all object files / build directories and try a full clean build.

— Sometimes stale files or old build artifacts cause linker confusion.

6. Check Include / Linker Order

— In some build systems, linker order matters — put your custom library flags after your object files.

— In “Other linker flags,” make sure library flags come last.

If you share which STM32 series you’re using, your toolchain, and the linker settings (library name + search paths), I can help you adapt your config or sug

gest exactly what change to make.

[Vishveshwaran]

Thanks it was because of the prefix suffix mistake
:NetworkRuntime1020_CM4_GCC.a
this is how it need to look