Import a DLL with C++ (Win32)

Question

How do I import a DLL (minifmod.dll) in C++ ?

I want to be able to call a function inside this DLL. I already know the argument list for the function but I

Answer 1

If the DLL includes a COM type library, you can use the #import statement as such:

#import dllname.dll

Otherwise, you'll need to link with an import library, and you'll need to provide a function prototype for your compiler. Typically the import library and a header file with the prototypes are provided by the DLL developer. If you're not, they can be very difficult to produce - unless you already know the argument list for the function, which you say you do. Instructions can be found here, amongst other places.

Answer 2

At runtime you can call LoadLibrary() and then call GetProcAddress() to access the function from a DLL. You will need to cast this address to a prototype you define with typedef . See the example at GetProcAddress documentation page.

Answer 3

The c# syntax for declaring an imported function is not available in c++. Here are some other SO questions on how to use DLLs:

• Explicit Loading of DLL
• Compile a DLL in C/C++, then call it from another program
• Calling functions in a DLL from C++
• Call function in c++ dll without header
• How to use dll's?
• Is this a good way to use dlls? (C++?)