The Linear Executable (LE) format is a file format for executables, object code, and DLLs designed for 32-bit protected mode operating systems.
[2] The LE format was first introduced in the early 1990s during a period of transition from 16-bit to 32-bit computing.
It was developed as an extension of the older New Executable (NE) format, which was used for 16-bit applications.
Limitations in memory management and addressing led to the development of LE as a 32-bit replacement.
LE expanded on NE's functionality by allowing the system to operate in protected mode.