What are the differences between an EXE and a DLL in .NET? | Difference between an EXE and a DLL in .NET

                                     Hi friends, in this article I will explain about the difference between an EXE and a DLL?.In Previous article i already explained about the  Interview Questions in VB.NET, .NET Framework., ASP.NET interview Questions , Interview Questions on SQL Server , ASP.NET Interview Questions Part II and Interview Questions on SQL Server Part II

I am giving some difference, may some have same meaning but I think in interviews at least we can remember some of them. That’s why I give more points but have same meaning.Below are the differences between an EXE and a DLL.

• The terms EXE and DLL are very common in programming. When coding, you can either export your final project to either a DLL or an EXE. The term EXE is a shortened version of the word executable as it identifies the file as a program. On the other hand, DLL stands for Dynamic Link Library, which commonly contains functions and procedures that can be used by other programs.

• DLL is an In-Process Component whereas EXE is an Out-Process Component .EXE is for single use whereas you can use DLL for multiple uses.

• EXE can be started as standalone where DLL cannot be. DLL cannot run on its own

• EXE can run on its own

• .EXE is an extension used for executable files while DLL is the extension for a dynamic link library.

• An EXE file can be run independently while a DLL is used by other applications.

• An EXE file defines an entry point while a DLL does not.

• A DLL file can be reused by other applications while an EXE cannot.

• A DLL would share the same process and memory space of the calling application while an EXE creates its separate process and memory space.

• EXE There is some Entry point, DLL There is no entry point.

• DLL Can Occupy own memory space itself.

• EXE can allocate memory spaces in different places.

• DLL Execution is very Fast compare to Exe.

• DLL file is a Library File which supports an executable file.

• DLL stands for Dynamic Link Library - it is a library file which is linked at runtime (ie. dynamically) rather than at compile-time.

• An EXE has its own individual address space, whereas a DLL have one address space, thus it can be shared.

• A DLL can be "dynamically" loaded and unloaded from memory, allowing an application to take up less space than it normally would when it’s not using the functions in that DLL.

Simply the differences are

DLL:

1) It is not self executable

2) It runs in application process memory

3) It has no entry point

4) It is reusable

5) Out Process Server

EXE:

1) It is self executable

2) It runs in own memory

3) It has main function (Entry point)

4) It is self executable

5) In Process Server


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