.lib file is a static library file or DLL implicit linking file?

Hello everyone,


If I am given a .lib file, how can I check whether the .lib file is a static library file (archive of obj files) or DLL implicit linking file? I have such confusion since they both use the same extension name .lib.


regards,
George

Did a .dll with the same name come with it? Is the library size appropriate for the amount of functionality it contains, or is it much smaller? These are usually your best clues.

If that doesn't help, you should look for a tool that displays the dependency information of the lib; if it's an import lib, the DLL will be there.

Thank you CornedBee,

Originally Posted by CornedBee

Did a .dll with the same name come with it? Is the library size appropriate for the amount of functionality it contains, or is it much smaller? These are usually your best clues.

I think your above solution is not a perfect solution since if there is no accompanied DLL file and when the knowledge of exported function of the DLL is very limited, the solution will not work. Right?

Originally Posted by CornedBee

If that doesn't help, you should look for a tool that displays the dependency information of the lib; if it's an import lib, the DLL will be there.

Seems a very good idea! Could you talk more details, like what tool to use and how to use?


regards,
George

I believe Dependency Walker will do this for you. If the library is not static, it will show you the depending DLL

Thank you Mario!

Originally Posted by Mario F.

I believe Dependency Walker will do this for you. If the library is not static, it will show you the depending DLL

I am using Microsoft Visual Studio 2003, and in this environment, which tool should I use? I can find find a tool called "Dependency Walker" from the listed tools of Visual Studio 2003.


regards,
George