Difference Between DLL Files And .exe Files

Question

What is the difference between Dll files and .exe files? Can we convert DLL files to .exe files?

Satyapriya Nayak · Answer

Hi Swati, 1.EXE is an extension used for executable files while DLL is the extension for a dynamic link library. 2.An EXE file can be run independently while a DLL is used by other applications. 3.A DLL file can be reused by other applications while an EXE cannot. 4.Exe is for single use whereas you can use Dll for multiple use 5.Dll is an In-Process Component whereas EXE is an OUt-Process Component. 6.You can create an objects of Dll but not of the EXE. Thanks

Rajeev Kumar · Answer

1.EXE is an extension used for executable files while DLL is the extension for a dynamic link library. 2.An EXE file can be run independently while a DLL is used by other applications. 3.An EXE file defines an entry point while a DLL does not. 4.A DLL file can be reused by other applications while an EXE cannot. 5.A DLL would share the same process and memory space of the calling application while an EXE creates its separate process and memory space.

Tuhin Paul · Answer

DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files and EXE (Executable) files are both types of binary files that contain compiled code. The main difference between them is their intended use and how they are executed. DLL files are designed to be used as shared libraries of functions that can be used by multiple programs simultaneously. When a program needs to use a function from a DLL, it loads the DLL into memory and calls the function. This allows multiple programs to share the same code, reducing memory usage and simplifying maintenance. DLL files do not have a main function and cannot be executed on their own. On the other hand, EXE files are standalone executable programs that contain a main function and are designed to be run directly by the user. When an EXE file is executed, the operating system loads it into memory and starts executing code from the main function. It is not possible to directly convert a DLL file to an EXE file, because they have different structures and purposes. However, it is possible to create an EXE file that uses a DLL file as a dependency. This can be done by writing an EXE program that loads and calls functions from the DLL.