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Differences Between Calling a DLL Statically Versus Dynamically

Primary Software: LabWindows/CVI Development Systems>>Base Package
Primary Software Version: 9.0
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: LabWindows/CVI Add-ons>>Real-Time Module

Problem:
I want to use a Dynamically Linked Library (DLL) in my LabWindows/CVI program. Should I call the DLL statically or dynamically? What is the difference between the two?

Solution:
A function in a DLL can be called statically or dynamically.

Table 1: Comparison Between Static and Dynamic Calls

Attribute	Static	Dynamic
Required to Use	Import Library (.llb) Header File (.h) .dll	.dll
How Functions are Called	Functions are called by name	A handle to the function must first be established; the handle is used to call the function
Memory	The entire DLL is loaded into memory when the caller is loaded	The function is loaded into memory when it is called
When to Use	Ease of use is important Program memory is not limited Execution speed is important Many of the functions in the DLL are used	Program memory is limited A subset of the functions of the DLL are used

Related Links:
KnowledgeBase 47SG4UXL: How Can I Add Folders Of Startup DLLs for Real-Time Systems?
KnowledgeBase 3W9DPTG2: Link Error When Calling a DLL in LabWindows/CVI
LabVIEW 8.6 Help: Calling External APIs

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Report Date: 02/13/2009
Last Updated: 02/17/2009
Document ID: 4UCH9KYP

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