DLL vs SOFTWARE, PT.1: Why the DLL is NOT a software
DLLs. In this article we want to clarify better what is a DLL, what is meant by DLL and why the DLL is not a software per se, but necessarily needs to be connected to a software, and called by it, to work and give output results. To this, in the 2nd part we will add some insights on how a thermodynamic calculation DLL works. In the next articles, we will see in particular how Unilab manages third party DLLs in its software Smart-Air, for the selection of Air Handling Units!
What is a DLL? We analyzed it in general terms in this article. The DLL is a library of functions, virtually “invisible” to a regular PC user, aimed at calculating or selecting products that can be used by third parties’ applications. But let’s put it simply. An analogy that usually works with the DLL is the engine of a car. The engine is the core of the car. Without the engine, the car doesn’t start, same for the DLL. The DLL is precisely the engine, and at the same time, like the engine, it cannot work on its own, but needs to be connected to all car internal components, a chassis, wheels etc in order to work, i.e. in our analogy, precisely the software!
A DLL is just that, only an engine, but needs a structure built around it, the software, to work. In our thermodynamic field, the DLL is essential, but without the software it is simply a box. It needs a software to give inputs, rules and warnings, so as to guide the calculation. This is key for the DLL to be called by the software, and give back the output results!
This is the first part of our basic focus on the concept of DLL. In our 2nd part, we will go to outline more the operation of a DLL for thermodynamic purposes and why the calculation DLL of a coils heat exchanger, for example, is not the same as a Coils heat exchanger calculation software! Stay tuned next Monday for the second part!
