A dynamic link library file, or a .DLL file, contains code and data that can be shared by several applications simultaneously. DLL files are bound to a program dynamically when it is loaded or executed, as opposed to statically when it is linked. In other words, the object module in the DLL file dynamically links to the object module in the program at run-time.
PowerCOBOL supports the development of DLL files. In COBOL programs, most of the procedures that are shared between applications are DLL files. Because the basic programming unit used in PowerCOBOL is a form, forms that are shared between applications become DLL files. A PowerCOBOL .DLL file may contain multiple forms as well.
In order to register .DLLs from within the Windows operating system, use the Register utility. You can access this utility by right clicking the mouse on a .DLL module in the Project Manager window and selecting Register from the pop-up menu that appears.
