DLL
  • A Dll is a Dynamic Link Library can not run itself, used as a supportive file to other application.
  • The Library Functions are Linked to the Application at Run Time (Dynamically) So the name is Dll.
  • A Dll does not contain an entry point (main function) so can not run individually.
EXE
  • An Exe is executable file and is not a supportive file rather itself an application.
  • An Exe will contain an entry point (main function) so runs individually.
SNO
 DLL
 EXE
1
Can not run Individually
Runs Individually
2
 Used as supportive file for other Application
 Itself an Application
3
Does not contain an entry point (no main function) so can not run individually
 Contains an entry point (Main function) so can run individually
4
A Program /Application with out main creates a DLL after compilation.
 A Program /Application With main creates an EXE after compilation.
5
 OS does not create a separate process for any DLL rather DLL will run in the same process created for an EXE
 OS Creates a separate process for each EXE it executes.

Note: Creating a process is an overhead to the operating system so DLL does not contain main function to reduce the burden on the OS.

This is my first blog in c#corner. Thanks.