What is the difference between an EXE and a DLL and how is it getting generated?

dll - dynamic link library

If an assembly is compiled as a class library and provides types for other assemblies to use, then it has the file extension .dll (dynamic link library),

DLL cannot be executed standalone.

DLL cannot be directly executed as they're designed to be loaded and run by other programs

DLL would share the same process and memory space of the calling application

They can be reused for some other application. As long as the coder knows the names and parameters of the functions and procedures in the DLL file .

EXE - executable file format

If an assembly is compiled as an application, then it has the file extension .exe

EXE can be executed standalone.

EXE creates its separate process and memory space.

Nizamuddin Siddiqui

Updated on 08-Aug-2020 08:31:37

• Related Questions & Answers
• What is the difference between a simulator and an emulator?
• What is the difference between an island and the continent?
• What is the difference between a python list and an array?
• What is the difference between a kernel and an operating system?
• What is MySQL GENERATED COLUMN and how to use it while creating a table?
• What is the difference between an acronym and abbr tags?
• What is the difference between a class and an object in C#?
• What is the difference between a list and an array in C#?
• What is the difference between an interface and a class in C#?
• What is the difference between an int and a long in C++?
• What is the difference between an offer and an invitation to offer?
• What is an array and how is it used for?
• What is an Account Number and how is it useful?
• What is the difference between the country and a continent?
• What is the difference between a method and a function?