[1] : The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03)

dynamically linked library
     
         dll a library which is linked to application
        programs when they are loaded or run rather than as the final
        phase of compilation.  this means that the same block of
        library code can be shared between several tasks rather than
        each task containing copies of the routines it uses.  the
        executable is compiled with a library of "stubs" which allow
        link errors to be detected at compile-time.  then, at run
        time, either the system loader or the task's entry code
        must arrange for library calls to be patched with the
        addresses of the real shared library routines, possibly via a
        jump table.
     
        the alternative is to make library calls part of the
        operating system kernel and enter them via some kind of
        trap instruction.  this is generally less efficient than an
        ordinary subroutine call.
     
        it is important to ensure that the version of a dynamically
        linked library is compatible with what the executable expects.
     
        examples of operating systems using dynamic linking are
        sunos .so - shared object files, microsoft windows
        .dll and risc os on the acorn archimedes relocatable
        modules.
     
        1995-12-12
     
     
see also:
library application programs compilation tasks stubs link errors 
compile-time run time loader jump table operating system 
kernel trap subroutine sunos microsoft windows 
risc os acorn archimedes 

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