Static libraries, dynamic libraries, DLLs, entry points, headers … how to get out of this alive?

Question

I recently had to program C++ under Windows for an University project, and I\'m pretty confused about static and dynamic libraries system, what the compiler needs, what the

Answer 1

See if these are useful:

• Static and dynamic libraries
• Program Library HOWTO

Answer 2

Start with Wikipedia - plenty of information there, and lots of links to other useful resources.

P.S. But perhaps it would be better to just ask a specific question about the problem you're currently having. Learning how to solve it may go a long way to teaching you the general concepts.

Answer 3

There is always MSDN for windows related stuff: Head page for dlls -> http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms682589

For Unix my favorite reference manual: Programming in C, UNIX System Calls and Subroutines using C -> http://www.cs.cf.ac.uk/Dave/C/

RM

Answer 4

You can find some background information from this article here. It gives you the basic background. I'm trying to locate something with diagrams. This should be a good place to get started.

The fundamental differences between a static library and a DLL is that with the static library the code is compiled into your final executable whereas a dynamic link library involves linking in a "stub" library (into your application) which contains mappings to functions in a separate file (.dll).

Here's an MSDN entry on creating a static Win32 Library which might also help you. ..another link to MSDN for creating a Dynamic Link Library..

Just found this site which covers definitions of basically all the aspect you've quoted.