Word of the Day: dynamic link library (DLL)

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms |August 2, 2017

dynamic link library (DLL) A dynamic link library (DLL) is a collection of small programs that can be loaded when needed by larger programs and used at the same time. The small program lets the larger program communicate with a specific device, such as a printer or scanner. It is often packaged as a DLL program, which is usually referred to as a DLL file. DLL files that support specific device operation are known as device drivers. A DLL file is often given a ".dll" file name suffix. DLL files are dynamically linked with the program that uses them during program execution rather than being compiled into the main program. The advantage of DLL files is space is saved in random access memory (RAM) because the files don't get loaded into RAM together with the main program. When a DLL file is needed, it is loaded and run. For example, as long as a user is editing a document in Microsoft Word, the printer DLL file does not need to be loaded into RAM. If the user decides to print the document, the Word application causes the printer DLL file to be loaded and run. A program is separated into modules when using a DLL. With modularized components, a program can be sold by module, have faster load times and be updated without altering other parts of the program. DLLs help operating systems and programs run faster, use memory efficiently and take up less disk space. Quote of the Day "Just like executable files, DLL files can contain code, data and resources, such as images, but they can be used by more than one program at the same time." - Michael Cobb   Trending Terms device driver keylogger MAPI application firewall ISAPI application virtualization   Learning Center How do the malware implants RedLeaves and PlugX work? Malware implants RedLeaves and PlugX have been found on critical systems in multiple industries. Here's a look at how the malware works. How serious is a malicious DLL file vulnerability for enterprises? Malicious DLL files could be used to attack three types of Symantec security products. Find out how the vulnerability works. Cyber-risk analysis, time are keys to infosec says game theory Cyber-risk analysis, understanding the enterprise network and designing security to waste attacker time may be keys to cybersecurity, according to game theory. How do attackers use Microsoft Application Verifier for hijacking? A flaw in the Microsoft Application Verifier enables attackers to hijack security products, such as antivirus tools. Here's how to defend against this threat. Getting runtime application self-protection launched Buying and launching a runtime application self-protection tool is easier than you may think. Learn how to find the right RASP tool and put it to work. Writing for Business When using a dynamic link library (DLL), updates are ______ to apply to each module without affecting other parts of the program. A. easier B. more easily Answer       Stay In Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com   Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed!   FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2016 TechTarget. All rights reserved.