This article describes what DLL files are, how and why they are used, and what to do if you encounter a DLL error.
What are DLLs?
A DLL file, short for Dynamic Link Library, is a type of file that contains instructions that other programs can call to do certain things. In this way, multiple programs can share the capabilities programmed into a single file, and even do so simultaneously.
Thus, various programs can all call upon the veryuseful.dll file (which is, of course, itself) to find free space on a hard drive, locate a file in a particular folder, and print a test page to the default printer.
Unlike executable programs, such as those with the EXE file extension, DLL files cannot be executed directly, but must be called by other code that is already executing. DLLs have the same format as EXEs, however, and some may even use the .EXE file extension. While most Dynamic Link Libraries end with the .DLL file extension, others may use .OCX, .CPL, or .DRV.
