External DLL's

[Michael Proctor]

Just a quick question.

I have been programming for about 4 years on and off in VB, I am interested
in a quick overview as to using External DLL's as to embedding the function
directly into the main exe.

I can see some advantages in the external DLL which is the capability of
being shared to any program, and allowing you to update just the dll.
however wouldn't debugging become a serious pain in da behind?

I am interested in opinions on if external DLL's should be used and if so to
what extent? there is of course alot of functions in a packaged program how
would one ascertain if they should use an external DLL?

Look forward to your opinions. (there is no right answer btw, I would assume
it is a preference on the developer so no bitchin over each others ideas
ALRIGHT!)

Kind Regards,

Michael Proctor

 

[Herfried K. Wagner [MVP]]

Michael,

I can see some advantages in the external DLL which is the capability of
being shared to any program, and allowing you to update just the dll.
however wouldn't debugging become a serious pain in da behind?

DLLs can be easily debugged on the development machine. Just add the class
library projects to your solution and set up the references. You can
transparently step into the DLL when debugging.

 

[Michael Proctor]

So that would be a yes, use External DLL's for Classes and modules that
contain lots of functions?

Regards,

Michael Proctor

 

[Herfried K. Wagner [MVP]]

So that would be a yes, use External DLL's for Classes and modules that
contain lots of functions?

I suggest to take a look at how the classes in the .NET Framework are
separated into different assemblies/DLLs. .NET class libraries are more
than a "collection of functions". Typically functionality is implemented in
classes which are made available by the class library.

 

[Cor Ligthert]

Michael,

I did not answer you direct (I did not know how), now I have the answer in a
question, "What is a good tested DLL from you different from a DLL from
Microsoft as by instance the System.Data namespace".

Cor