Creating and using DLLs

Figure 1 summarizes the use of DLLs for both the DLL provider and for the writer of applications that use them. In this example, application ABC is referencing functions and variables from two DLLs, XYZ and PQR. The connection between DLL preparation and application preparation is shown. Each DLL shown contains a single compilation unit. The same general scheme applies for DLLs composed of multiple compilation units, except that they have multiple compilers and a single bind for each DLL. For simplicity, this example assumes that ABC does not export variables or functions and that XYZ and PQR do not use other DLLs.

Figure 1. Summary of DLL and DLL application preparation and usage