[comp.windows.ms.programmer] DLL's - novice, questions pertaining to dev. and distribution

barryf@aix01.aix.rpi.edu (Barry B. Floyd) (03/07/91)

I have a large dBase system which I am in the process of converting to
c/c++ and Win 3.0. I have Glockenspiel's class libraries, a dBase to 
C conversion system, C callable dBase file i/o libraries, and all the
standard C development tools/compilers.

My question: I have a general understanding of DLL's, and have seen
references to applications which share DLL's provided by other vendors.
Where can I read about the utility of DLL's? Where can I find pd software
which manipulates (e.g. scans) DLL's? Is a DLL file  formatted such that
one can determine what is callable within it and the necessary parameters?
How might I construct my application such that I only have to make
available updated DLL's and not the entire application (i.e. post functionally
useless pieces of an application semi-publically, as enhancements are made
to the application)? Is this last a reasonable approach to distributing
and packaging upgrades, presuming the the core application doesn't change
(i.e. faster subroutines, debugged routines, etc.)?
 
Anyone with experience developing DLL's for large applications please post
to me, I will repost summaries. Anyone with references to books, magazine
articles, FTP sites/files, etc. please post to me, I will repost a 
bibliography to the group.
 

thanks in advance.
 
 
barry
  
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