Re: [Mingw-users] What does -Wl,--out-implib,lib<name>.dll.a do?

[Michael G. <mg...@te...>]

> What does:
>=20
>     gcc -shared -o hello.dll hello.o -Wl,--out-implib,libhello.dll.a
>=20
> take from the Makefile do?

It creates an importlib with a somewhat unusual name.

> Specifically, why is the --out-implib linker directive needed?

Needed and needed.

It comes handy if you wish to create an importlib as well.

> I tested it, and when removing it, everything still works.=20

That is because gcc (more precisely ld) does not need an importlib.
Check out the binutils info files and/or the archives of this list
for a complete list of files checked to resolve references.

I'm not sure but I think there's also an entry in the Wiki.

You most likely will need an importlib if the DLL shall be linked
against with e.g. MS VC++.

> I suspect there exist significant docs for dll creation under MinGW, but =
I=20
> have yet to find them.

Searching the archives of this list as well as the mingwiki should
provide you lots of info.

> Might someone help guide me through the mysteries of windows/mingw/gcc/g+=
+=20
> shared/dynamic library creation and management?

http://www.mingw.org/MinGWiki/

Click on FAQ and scroll down. There are a couple of articles on DLLs.

Best,
Michael
=2D-=20
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 Michael Gerdau       email: mg...@te...
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