[Term of the Day]: DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files
Term of the Day
"Dynamic Link Library files"
Definition — What are DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files?
DLL, stands for "Dynamic Link Library" files designed and implemented by Microsoft for its operating systems for enhanced performance in terms of memory management and many other low-level definitions.
A DLL file contains functions, classes, variables, UIs and resources (such as icons, images, files, ...) that an EXE, or other DLL uses. When a windows app developer writes an application he does not add all code rather he instructs his program to fetch data from a location whose address is placed in these DLL files. Without these DLL files, developers would have to write all the steps themselves and always be re-inventing the wheel.
A DLL file is used to perform a specific set of tasks. For example, it may provide the steps necessary to print a document. Windows puts all the DLL files in the same place to make it easier for developers to write programs. These are just like executable files rather they cannot be directly executed.
These files can be used by more than one program. In fact, they can even be used by multiple programs at the same time. Some DLLs come with the Windows operating system while others are added when new programs are installed.
Check this article to learn more about the dependencies and functionalities of DLL files.