Re: DLL
DLL (dynamic link library) file containing the executable routines of a program.
these files give functionality to other programs. They usually need to be installed into the WINDOWS/SYSTEM directory. VBRUN300.DLL is a good example; it is needed for Visual Basic 3.0 created programs. Windows version W95, W98 NT are built with them.
A file (library) of executable functions or data that is used by a Windows application or by Windows itself. By design, a DLL provides one or more distinctive functions; a program accesses the functions by creating either a static or dynamic link to the DLL and to subsequent functions or data within. A static link remains constant during program execution while a dynamic (on the fly) link is created by the program as needed. DLLs can also contain only data or a combination of both functions and data. DLL files usually end with the extension .dll, however can be .exe, drv, or .fon. A DLL can be used by several applications at the same time. Some DLLs are provided with the Windows operating system and available for any Windows application; hence results and stability are always predictable. Many DLLs are written for a particular application and are loaded with the application. In infrequent situations, DLLs have the same name and are the cause of system crashes as one overwrites another and causes totally unexpected results.