When you do this, the linker will provide the system with the information that is required to load the DLL and resolve the exported DLL function locations at load time. To use load-time dynamic linking, provide a header (.h) file and an import library (.lib) file, when you compile and link the application. In load-time dynamic linking, an application makes explicit calls to the exported DLL functions like local functions. When you load a DLL in an application, two methods of linking let you call the exported DLL functions. Involved in the creation of program windows and their interactions with each other.įirst, we will discuss the issues and the requirements that you should consider while developing your own DLLs. USER32.DLL - Contains numerous user interface functions. KERNE元2.DLL - Contains hundreds of functions for the management of memory and various processes. GDI32.DLL - Contains numerous functions for drawing graphics, displaying text, and managing fonts.

Important DLL FilesĬOMDLG32.DLL - Controls the dialog boxes. Else, you can explicitly load them using the Windows LoadLibrary function. This issue may occur more frequently when you use a third-party DLL that is regularly updated or fixed.Īpplications and DLLs can link to other DLLs automatically, if the DLL linkage is specified in the IMPORTS section of the module definition file as a part of the compile. Additionally, if multiple programs use the same DLL, then all of them get benefited from the update or the fix. When a function within a DLL needs an update or a fix, the deployment and installation of the DLL does not require the program to be relinked with the DLL. An example of a modular program is an accounting program having many modules that can be dynamically loaded at run-time. It helps you develop large programs that require multiple language versions or a program that requires modular architecture. Promotes modular architectureĪ DLL helps promote developing modular programs. If the user decides to print the document, then the Word application causes the printer DLL file to be loaded and run. For example, as long as a user of Microsoft Word is editing a document, the printer DLL file is not required in RAM. When a DLL file is needed, it is loaded and run. Uses fewer resourcesĭLL files don't get loaded into the RAM together with the main program they don't occupy space unless required. Given below are a few advantages of having DLL files. Many times, DLLs are placed in files with different extensions such as.

DLLs link to an application when the application is run, rather than when it is created. The libraries remain in their own files and are not copied into the executable files of the applications. Dynamic linking is a mechanism that links applications to libraries at run time.

Open a dll file in visual studio