Difference Between DLL and EXE

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.

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