ilk-name-incremental-database-file.md

title	/ILK (Name incremental database file)
description	The MSVC linker option /ILK specifies the incremental link database file pathname.
ms.date	03/27/2025
f1_keywords	VC.Project.VCLinkerTool.IncrementalLinkDatabaseFile /ilk ilk
helpviewer_keywords	Name incremental database file in C++ linker /ILK linker option -ILK linker option ILK linker option

/ILK (Name incremental database file)

The /ILK linker option tells the linker where to put the .ilk database file for incremental link information (/INCREMENTAL).

Syntax

/ILK:[pathname]

Arguments

pathname
The destination directory and filename for the generated .ilk file. If the /ILK option isn't specified when /INCREMENTAL is used, the filename is created by appending .ilk to the target base filename. When expanded, the fully qualified filename must not exceed MAX_PATH (260 characters).

Remarks

The /ILK linker option tells the linker the path and filename to use for the .ilk incremental database file when you specify /INCREMENTAL.

To set this compiler option in the Visual Studio development environment

1. Open the project Property Pages dialog box. For more information, see Set compiler and build properties.
2. Select the Configuration Properties > Linker > General property page.
3. Modify the Incremental Link Database File property. The default value is $(IntDir)$(TargetName).ilk.

To set this compiler option programmatically

• See xref:Microsoft.VisualStudio.VCProjectEngine.VCLinkerTool.AdditionalOptions%2A.

See also

/INCREMENTAL
MSVC linker reference
MSVC linker options