1. A method for generating a platform-standard object file, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a machine-independent software module, wherein the machine-independent software module contains abstract code defining at least one procedure; b) analyzing said abstract code to determine whether any global variables are defined in said machine-independent software module; c) if any global variables are defined in said machine-independent software module, then c1) generating a list of definitions of said any global variables; c2) storing said list of definitions in said platform-standard object file; d) analyzing said abstract code to determine whether said at least one procedure references any external variables or external procedures; e) if said at least one procedure references any external variables or external procedures, then e1) generating a list of symbol references indicative of said any external variables or external procedures; e2) storing said list of symbol references in said platform-standard object file; f) generating a sequence of machine instructions for calling an execution routine when a client calls said at least one procedure; g) storing said sequence of machine instructions in said platform-standard object file; and h) storing said abstract code in said platform-standard object file.