Some formats can contain machine code for different processors, with the correct one chosen by the operating system when the program is loaded.
If the format is used for executables, the design also affects the time programs take to begin running, and thus the responsiveness for users.
Many early computers, or small microcomputers, support only an absolute object format.
Programs are not relocatable; they need to be assembled or compiled to execute at specific, predefined addresses.
For example, the Motorola 6800 MIKBUG monitor contains a routine to read an absolute object file (SREC Format) from paper tape.
However, for many programs or architectures, relocation is not necessary, due to being handled by the memory management unit or by position-independent code.
On some systems the segments of the object file can then be copied (paged) into memory and executed, without needing further processing.