Dynamic library in C

Static Libraries Versus Dynamic Libraries in C

What are libraries and why are they useful? This is a common question that most programmers have when looking at the different options they have for libraries. Both static libraries and Dynamic libraries have been useful to programmers who understand their importance.

To understand the Usefulness of both libraries one must first understand what a function is in programming. This is usually a block of code that preforms and executes a task. The thing that makes them useful is the fact that they can be reused as many times as the programmer needs.

Static libraries are useful as they are reusable in multiple programs but are only usable at compile time. On the other hand, dynamic libraries are separate files that are outside the executable file.

Static libraries have some downsides. Firstly, the code is integrated to the final executable file. This means that the file will not be able to be changed without recompiling. On the other hand dynamic libraries do not need to be recompiled as they are outside the scope of the executable file.

However, there are benefits to using a Dynamic library over a static library. Dynamic libraries, offer the benefit of being able to be used in multiple running applications as this file does not need to be replicated each time its used.