The article explores the process that occurs between a program's execution request to the kernel and the actual start of the main function, focusing on the execve system call and the structure of ELF files in Linux. It delves into the details of how the kernel prepares to run a program, including the significance of various ELF file sections and headers. The author shares insights gained from working with a RISC-V-based simulator and the complexities involved in program execution.