Runtime library

Runtime Library

A runtime library, also known as a dynamic-link library (DLL) or shared library, is a collection of precompiled code and resources that are used by software programs during runtime. It provides essential functions and services that enable the execution of a program and facilitate communication between the program and the operating system.

Overview

A runtime library is an integral part of the software development process. It contains a set of functions, procedures, and data structures that are commonly used by multiple programs. By using a runtime library, developers can avoid duplicating code and improve the efficiency of their programs.

The primary purpose of a runtime library is to provide support for various programming tasks, such as memory management, input/output operations, exception handling, and threading. It acts as an intermediary between the program and the operating system, abstracting the underlying hardware and providing a standardized interface for program execution.

Functionality

A runtime library typically includes a wide range of functions and services that are essential for program execution. Some common functionalities provided by a runtime library include:

1. Memory Management: The runtime library allocates and deallocates memory dynamically, allowing programs to efficiently manage their memory usage.

2. Input/Output Operations: The runtime library provides functions for reading and writing data from/to files, as well as handling input/output streams.

3. Exception Handling: It includes mechanisms for catching and handling exceptions, enabling programs to gracefully handle errors and recover from unexpected situations.

4. Threading: The runtime library offers support for creating and managing threads, allowing programs to execute multiple tasks concurrently.

5. Mathematical Functions: It provides a set of mathematical functions, such as trigonometric functions, logarithmic functions, and random number generation.

Usage

Runtime libraries are typically distributed as separate files that are linked to the program during the compilation process. They can be either statically linked or dynamically linked.

When a runtime library is statically linked, the necessary code and resources are directly included in the executable file of the program. This approach increases the size of the executable but ensures that the program can run independently without relying on external libraries.

On the other hand, when a runtime library is dynamically linked, the necessary code and resources are stored in separate DLL files. These DLL files are loaded into memory at runtime, allowing multiple programs to share the same library. This approach reduces the size of the executable but requires the presence of the runtime library on the system where the program is executed.

Categories

Runtime libraries can be categorized based on the programming language they are designed for. Some common categories include:

- C Runtime Library: These libraries provide support for programs written in the C programming language.

- C++ Standard Library: These libraries provide support for programs written in the C++ programming language, including the Standard Template Library (STL) for data structures and algorithms.

- Java Runtime Environment (JRE): JRE includes a runtime library that provides support for executing Java programs.

- .NET Framework: The .NET Framework includes a runtime library called the Common Language Runtime (CLR), which provides support for executing programs written in various languages, such as C#, Visual Basic, and F#.

Templates

When documenting runtime libraries, it is common to use templates to provide consistent formatting and structure. Some commonly used templates include:

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Runtime library Resources
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See Also

- Dynamic-Link Library (DLL) - Software Development - Operating System - Memory Management - Exception Handling - Threading

References

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