Dynamic file linking

For more details, see Creating a Dynamic Link. When a dynamic file is displayed within the InstallShield interface, the lower-left corner of the file's icon includes an image that indicates that it is a dynamically linked file:.

InstallShield includes that same dynamic file image on the icon of subfolders that are included in dynamic file links:.

Furthermore, InstallShield adds an arrow to the folder image—in addition to the dynamic file image—on the component icon of subfolders that are included in dynamic file links:. The icons that the InstallShield interface displays for static files and folders do not include this dynamic link image.

Limitations of Dynamic File Linking. Working with Releases. Setting Component Key Files. Using Path Variables. A DLL is loaded into memory only once, whereas more than one application may use a single DLL at the moment, thus saving memory space. Application support and maintenance costs are also lowered. Next Static and Dynamic Libraries Set 1. Recommended Articles. Article Contributed By :.

Easy Normal Medium Hard Expert. Writing code in comment? Please use ide. Load Comments. What's New. Most visited in Operating Systems. In those cases, it is necessary to bring those programs or libraries together with this program to execute it. In overall, there are two linking mechanisms as the static and dynamic linking. What is Static Linking -Definition, Functionality 2.

What is Dynamic Linking -Definition, Functionality 3. Static linking copies all the libraries required for the program into the final executable file. The linker performs this task, and it is the last step of compilation. The linker combines the relevant libraries with the program code to resolve external references. Finally, the linker generates an executable file suitable for loading into memory. The final statistically linked file contains the calling program and called programs.

Generally, these files are large because they are connected with other files. Assume that there are some changes in the external programs. In that case, it is necessary to recompile and re-link again. Otherwise, the existing executable file does not reflect these changes. Furthermore, in statistical linking, all the modules and libraries are available as a single executable module.