A dynamic link library (DLL) is a code file containing functions that can be called from other executable code (either an application or another DLL). Programmers use DLLs so they can reuse code and parcel out distinct jobs. Unlike an executable (EXE) file, a DLL cannot be directly run. DLLs must be called from other code that is already executing. DLLs and EXEs apply only to Windows environments. In UNIX environments, the Chili!Soft ASP engine and all components run on a Windows emulation layer (either Mainsoft MainWin or the Chili!Soft proprietary emulation layer). The equivalent of a DLL on these emulation layers are files having an *.so (Shared Object) filename extension.
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