DLL files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Dynamic Link Library
File Function
| Primary Function |
Shared code, resources |
| Additional Functions |
Modular architecture |
| Features |
Code reuse, versioning |
File Characteristics
| Quality |
Performance impact |
| Supports Layers |
N/A |
| Supports Transparency |
N/A |
| Editable |
With tools |
Use Cases
| Software Development |
Yes |
| Application Extension |
Yes |
| System Services |
Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks |
Vulnerable, Exploitable |
| Best Practices |
Regular updates, Signing |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions |
.exe, .ocx, .drv, .sys |
Type 2: DLL Dynamic Webpage
General Information
| Title |
DLL File Extension |
| Extension |
.dll |
| Full Form |
Dynamic Link Library |
| File Type |
System File |
| Developer |
Microsoft |
| MIME Type |
application/x-msdownload |
File Function
| Primary Function |
Shared library |
| Additional Functions |
Code execution, Resources storage |
| Features |
Modularity, Reusability |
File Characteristics
| Quality |
Varies with code |
| Supports Layers |
N/A |
| Supports Transparency |
N/A |
| Editable |
With tools |
Use Cases
| Software Development |
Yes |
| System Services |
Yes |
| Plugin Modules |
Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks |
Vulnerable functions, Malware |
| Best Practices |
Regular updates, Code signing |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release |
Windows 3.1 |
| Latest Version |
Varies with Windows version |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions |
.exe, .ocx, .drv, .sys |
Microsoft Visual Studio
GCC
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