Quick DLL Intro

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  • DevynCJohnson
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    • @devyncjohnson

    DLL (Dynamic-Link Library) files on Windows systems are shared library files. They use the Portable Executable (PE) file format on 32 and 64-bit Windows systems. The files use the *.dll extension, but they may use *.ocx if they contain ActiveX controls. DLL files use the "application/x-msdownload" mimetype.

    DLL files are executable libraries, although they do not execute directly like a program. Rather, programs can import functions and data from DLL files. Many programming languages can import DLL files including C/C++, Visual Basic, Python, Delphi, and others.

    DLL have many advantages.

    • They consume less resources since they are only loaded when used rather than loaded onto RAM all at once (like the program's functions).
    • Bug fixes are easier since a single DLL can be replaced rather than recompiling a whole set of programs.
    • It is easier to create modular programs and systems via DLL files.
    • When multiple programs load the same DLL, the file is only loaded onto the RAM once.

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