There few tasks to be performed by the computer many a times on the same data. These tasks can be performed using Functions. Such similar "functions" are grouped into a LIBRARY.(with '.lib' extension)
These libraries are of mainly of two types:
1)Static Libraries
2)Dynamic Libraries
Here in this article our main interest is on Dynamic Libraries.
Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files are an essential part of the Windows operating system. Although they are ubiquitous, most PC users neither know nor care what these files do. A little understanding of DLL files can make the computer a little less of a mystery box. These files are so important that all of us should know a few simple facts about them.(It is always good for us to know structure and function of a DLL.)
The original concept behind DLL files was to simplify things.
We find many DLL(Dynamically Linked Library) modules in Windows OS folders. Few of the DLL files will be present by default in Windows OS. Moreover, in Windows OS, when we install few applications, then few DLL files will also be installed onto the system. A computer today may contain a thousand or more different DLL files. These DLL files will be generally be present generally at
1)C:\Windows\System32
2)C:\Windows\system
A well known software company from Redmont supplies such libraries in a file with a .dll extension.
A dynamic link library (DLL) is a collection of small programs, which can be called upon when needed by the executable program(s) (EXE)that is running or by another DLL(s) simulaneously.Unlike an executable (EXE) file, a DLL cannot be directly run. DLLs must be called from other code that is already executing.The DLL lets the executable program to communicate with a specific device such as a printer, monitor console or may even contain source code to do particular functions.
A DLL is a library that contains code and data that can be used by more than one program at the same time.
They are called dynamic links because they are put to use only when a program calls on them and they are run in the program�s own memory space. More than one program can use the functions of a particular DLL at the same time.
Programmers use DLLs to provide code that they can reuse and to perform distinct jobs.
For Example:
By using a DLL, a program can be modularized into separate components. Like,An accounting program may be sold by module. Each module can be loaded into the main program at run time if that module is installed. Now, as these modules are separate, the load time of the program is faster, and also the required module is only loaded when that functionality is requested(If not requested then it will not load.).
Additionally, in other point of view, updates are easier to apply to each module without affecting other parts of the program. For example, you may have a payroll program, and the tax rates change each year(in such cases updates are required). When these changes are isolated to a DLL, you can apply an update without needing to build or install the whole program again.
These libraries are of mainly of two types:
1)Static Libraries
2)Dynamic Libraries
Here in this article our main interest is on Dynamic Libraries.
Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files are an essential part of the Windows operating system. Although they are ubiquitous, most PC users neither know nor care what these files do. A little understanding of DLL files can make the computer a little less of a mystery box. These files are so important that all of us should know a few simple facts about them.(It is always good for us to know structure and function of a DLL.)
The original concept behind DLL files was to simplify things.
We find many DLL(Dynamically Linked Library) modules in Windows OS folders. Few of the DLL files will be present by default in Windows OS. Moreover, in Windows OS, when we install few applications, then few DLL files will also be installed onto the system. A computer today may contain a thousand or more different DLL files. These DLL files will be generally be present generally at
1)C:\Windows\System32
2)C:\Windows\system
A well known software company from Redmont supplies such libraries in a file with a .dll extension.
What is DLL..??
A dynamic link library (DLL) is a collection of small programs, which can be called upon when needed by the executable program(s) (EXE)that is running or by another DLL(s) simulaneously.Unlike an executable (EXE) file, a DLL cannot be directly run. DLLs must be called from other code that is already executing.The DLL lets the executable program to communicate with a specific device such as a printer, monitor console or may even contain source code to do particular functions.
What does DLL contain..??
A DLL is a library that contains code and data that can be used by more than one program at the same time.
Why is it called Dynamic..??
They are called dynamic links because they are put to use only when a program calls on them and they are run in the program�s own memory space. More than one program can use the functions of a particular DLL at the same time.
Why DLL..??
Programmers use DLLs to provide code that they can reuse and to perform distinct jobs.
For Example:
By using a DLL, a program can be modularized into separate components. Like,An accounting program may be sold by module. Each module can be loaded into the main program at run time if that module is installed. Now, as these modules are separate, the load time of the program is faster, and also the required module is only loaded when that functionality is requested(If not requested then it will not load.).
Additionally, in other point of view, updates are easier to apply to each module without affecting other parts of the program. For example, you may have a payroll program, and the tax rates change each year(in such cases updates are required). When these changes are isolated to a DLL, you can apply an update without needing to build or install the whole program again.
Image Showing Few (.dll) Files:
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