Generating .lib file

[mickey22]

Hi all,

I want to start a project that generates .lib file.Could anypone please tell me what are settings I need to use , like what aplication I have to use .

I opened New Project->C++

Many options like win32 Console, MFC DLL and so on.I am using Visual 2005 on Windows.

Thanks.

[weaknessforcats]

Create a Win32 Project.

When the wizard appears DO NOT click Finish.

Instead, click Application Settings and select Static Library.

You might want to de-select Precompiled headers unless you know how they work.

Then click Finish.

When you build the product will be a .lib and a corresponding .h

Then all need do in another project is #include the header and ADD the .lib
to the linker's list of libraries:
1) Right click on project name
2) Select Properties
3) Select Linker in the left pane
4) Select Input in the left pane
5) Add your .lib in the right pane under Additional Dependencies
5) Click OK.

And off you go.

[mickey22]

Thank you very much providing me with all the necessary steps.I will try to do in that way.Thanks.

[dubZ]

What is the benefit/difference to using a .lib file as opposed to using a .dll?

[weaknessforcats]

Functions form a static library are copied to your executable and the linker points all the call to the functions it copied from the library. Hence the static.

A dynamic library is loaded at run time. Here's a case where you can pull off a software upgrade just by sending your customers a newer dll. Had you used a static library you would need to redistrinute the entire program.

Also, a statically linked program has the maximum memory footprint since everything was done by the linker. With a dll, you can unload it when you are finished and this reduces the memory requirements for your program.