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Exporting C++ classes without using MFC extension DLL

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5 Jun 2002 252.5K   5.2K   51   41
This article describes the process of exporting regular C++ classes without using MFC extension DLLs

Introduction

DLLs are a great way of sharing common pieces of code data between applications. When it comes down to exporting C++ classes from DLLs most of us go for MFC extension DLLs where we can use the AFX_EXT_CLASS macro to export an entire class. Unfortunately, MFC is no lean and mean class architecture, which means that distributing MFC extension DLLs mean that you have to include the big MFC runtime not to mention the fact that your DLL can only be linked to MFC applications exclusively. What's the solution then? Enter standard Win32 DLLs.

Details

I couldn't believe my eyes on how easily one can export C++ classes directly from a plain vanilla Win32 DLL. Just make one and insert your classes into the DLL. Now simply put __declspec(dllexport) in between the class keyword and the class name, i.e.

// in your header...

class __declspec(dllexport) CDllTest
{
public:  
  CDllTest(){}
  ~CDllTest(){}

public:
  void SayHello();
};

// in your cpp...

void CDllTest::SayHello()
{
 printf(_T("Hello C++"));
}

That's it! The sample code and project are pretty self explanatory. Enjoy.

License

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Comments and Discussions

 
Questiondll Pin
mouass29-Mar-15 22:42
mouass29-Mar-15 22:42 
QuestionI got lilnker error LN2019 Pin
Vivek_Mendse10-Nov-11 18:52
Vivek_Mendse10-Nov-11 18:52 
QuestionReally - that simple? Pin
Vaclav_4-Feb-11 8:48
Vaclav_4-Feb-11 8:48 
GeneralUsing dll Pin
s_t_r_e_a_m_e_r18-Nov-07 1:19
s_t_r_e_a_m_e_r18-Nov-07 1:19 
QuestionHow can I use a class exported from a DLL by using LoadLibrary function Pin
zhoujinjun085827-Aug-07 4:22
zhoujinjun085827-Aug-07 4:22 
AnswerRe: How can I use a class exported from a DLL by using LoadLibrary function Pin
afriza2-Dec-08 16:44
afriza2-Dec-08 16:44 
GeneralGreat! Pin
docrob125-Jan-07 17:48
docrob125-Jan-07 17:48 
Generaldelete cuases access violation Pin
Member 134871718-Aug-05 2:35
Member 134871718-Aug-05 2:35 
GeneralRe: delete cuases access violation Pin
Igen19-Mar-09 7:14
Igen19-Mar-09 7:14 
Generalqn Pin
From_Nepal6-Jan-05 8:00
sussFrom_Nepal6-Jan-05 8:00 
GeneralLoad at runtime Pin
jgauffin16-Apr-04 4:30
jgauffin16-Apr-04 4:30 
GeneralRe: Load at runtime Pin
ThatsAlok20-Apr-06 22:32
ThatsAlok20-Apr-06 22:32 
QuestionHow to create DllTest.dll and DllTest.lib in VC7.0 Pin
Sctt H. Chang31-Mar-04 10:11
Sctt H. Chang31-Mar-04 10:11 
AnswerRe: How to create DllTest.dll and DllTest.lib in VC7.0 Pin
anonymous1217-Apr-04 23:26
anonymous1217-Apr-04 23:26 
Questionis it mean that regular DLL can replace extension DLL every time? Pin
dalink6-Mar-04 6:00
dalink6-Mar-04 6:00 
GeneralA slight correction and enhancement Pin
David Pritchard29-May-03 7:31
David Pritchard29-May-03 7:31 
Questionhow to insert a class from MFC to C# Pin
mosgeorge13-Apr-03 3:49
mosgeorge13-Apr-03 3:49 
AnswerRe: how to insert a class from MFC to C# Pin
Tanzim Husain23-Apr-03 20:54
Tanzim Husain23-Apr-03 20:54 
AnswerRe: how to insert a class from MFC to C# Pin
Takeru Koushirou27-Jun-04 21:31
Takeru Koushirou27-Jun-04 21:31 
GeneralRe: how to insert a class from MFC to C# Pin
charnos13-Aug-04 6:49
charnos13-Aug-04 6:49 
Generalany Info about Proxy DLL (Trojan DLL) Pin
Fad B5-Mar-03 10:24
Fad B5-Mar-03 10:24 
GeneralRe: any Info about Proxy DLL (Trojan DLL) Pin
Tanzim Husain23-Apr-03 21:14
Tanzim Husain23-Apr-03 21:14 
GeneralRe: any Info about Proxy DLL (Trojan DLL) Pin
gypsySUN17-Oct-03 18:11
gypsySUN17-Oct-03 18:11 
GeneralRe: any Info about Proxy DLL (Trojan DLL) Pin
Fad B18-Oct-03 20:42
Fad B18-Oct-03 20:42 
GeneralRe: any Info about Proxy DLL (Trojan DLL) Pin
gypsySUN21-Oct-03 5:27
gypsySUN21-Oct-03 5:27 

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