What is the difference between EXE and DLL? - ProProfs Discuss
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What is the difference between EXE and DLL?

Asked by R. Jones, Last updated: Apr 14, 2024

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4 Answers

F. Hope

F. Hope

F. Hope
F. Hope

Answered Oct 10, 2019

These two terms are used in programming. You can export your finished project to either EXE or DLL after coding. EXE makes it possible to identify a file as a program, and it is a shortened version for word executable. DLL, on the other hand, stands for Dynamic Link Library. It usually entails procedures and functions which can be used by other programs. This makes a major difference between EXE and DLL; EXE can be run as an independent file, while DLL is run with other programs.

These two terms are used in programming. You can export your finished project to either EXE or DLL
An EXE file has an entry point or a point where the operating system should start to run the program, but a DLL file does not have any entry point, and it cannot be executed on its own. DLL files a good advantage, and that is that they can be reused in other applications so far the coder understands the parameters for its usage. In the launching of an EXE file, a process and memory space are created for it to run on; but the DLL file does not require any process or memory space since it would be run by other programs.

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E. Stanley

E. Stanley

E. Stanley
E. Stanley, Technical writer, Indianapolis

Answered Sep 10, 2019

EXE and DLL are standard extensions used in computer language. When coding, you can export your final project to either a DLL or EXE file. The term EXE is a condensed variation of the word executable, as it distinguishes the data as a program. DLL stands for Dynamic Link Library, which characteristically contains functions and actions that can be used by other programs.

EXE and DLL are standard extensions used in computer language. When coding, you can export your
EXE is an extension for a dynamic link library. An EXE file can be retrieved by other applications while EXE cannot. Also, DLL would share the same process and memory space of the calling application, while initiating EXE denotes, creating a process for it to run on memory space. The best advantage of the DLL files is in its ability to be reused.

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Anthony Paul Bonadio

Anthony Paul Bonadio

Its kind of my job to give answers

Anthony Paul Bonadio
Anthony Paul Bonadio, Teacher, MCA, PhD, Toledo

Answered Aug 23, 2019

EXE is the type of extension that is normally used when the files are executable. For example, there are some games that you have downloaded, the file that comes with the .exe extension is the one that you should click so that the game will start.

EXE is the type of extension that is normally used when the files are executable. For example,
DLL is known to be the extension that is used for the dynamic link library. EXE can usually function on its own while DLL is normally used by other available applications. In the case of reusability, these are highly different too. DLL can be reused by other applications even if it is already being used by an application. EXE can only be used to open one application.

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Mike John

Mike John

Self Motivator, Energetic & Smart Team Lead

Mike John
Mike John, Content Explorer, MCA, Los Angeles, California, USA

Answered Jul 23, 2019

EXE means executable file & DLL means dynamic link library file.

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