What Is a C++ Library
- Static library: think of it like a copy machine, when you build your program, the code from the static library is copied into your executable. Each program gets its own copy;
- Shared library: similar to a public library in a city, many programs can borrow and use the same shared code at the same time, saving space and resources;
- Header-only library: like a recipe you add directly to your own cookbook, just include the instructions (code) in your project, no separate compilation step needed.
When you develop software in C++, you often want to reuse code across different projects or share functionality with other developers. This is where a C++ library comes in—a collection of pre-written code that you can include in your own programs to avoid reinventing the wheel. Libraries make it easy to organize, reuse, and distribute useful features, from simple mathematical functions to complex networking modules.
C++ libraries come in three main types, each serving different needs in software development:
- Static libraries: code is compiled into a separate file (usually with a
.aor.libextension) and linked directly into your program at build time; - Shared libraries: also known as dynamic libraries, these are compiled into files (like
.soon Linux or.dllon Windows) that are loaded at runtime, allowing multiple programs to use the same library code without duplication; - Header-only libraries: all code is contained in header files (
.hor.hpp), so you only need to include the header in your project—no separate compilation required.
main.cpp
double_util.hpp
1234567#include <iostream> #include "double_util.hpp" int main() { std::cout << "Double of 7 is " << double_number(7) << std::endl; }
Each type of library has its own advantages and trade-offs. Static libraries are easy to distribute and guarantee all code is present in the final executable, but they can increase the size of your binaries. Shared libraries help save memory and disk space when used by many programs, but require careful version management. Header-only libraries are incredibly easy to use and distribute, but can lead to longer compile times and larger binaries if not designed carefully.
Understanding these types helps you choose the right approach for your project, whether you're building a small utility or a large, reusable framework.
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- Static library: think of it like a copy machine, when you build your program, the code from the static library is copied into your executable. Each program gets its own copy;
- Shared library: similar to a public library in a city, many programs can borrow and use the same shared code at the same time, saving space and resources;
- Header-only library: like a recipe you add directly to your own cookbook, just include the instructions (code) in your project, no separate compilation step needed.
When you develop software in C++, you often want to reuse code across different projects or share functionality with other developers. This is where a C++ library comes in—a collection of pre-written code that you can include in your own programs to avoid reinventing the wheel. Libraries make it easy to organize, reuse, and distribute useful features, from simple mathematical functions to complex networking modules.
C++ libraries come in three main types, each serving different needs in software development:
- Static libraries: code is compiled into a separate file (usually with a
.aor.libextension) and linked directly into your program at build time; - Shared libraries: also known as dynamic libraries, these are compiled into files (like
.soon Linux or.dllon Windows) that are loaded at runtime, allowing multiple programs to use the same library code without duplication; - Header-only libraries: all code is contained in header files (
.hor.hpp), so you only need to include the header in your project—no separate compilation required.
main.cpp
double_util.hpp
1234567#include <iostream> #include "double_util.hpp" int main() { std::cout << "Double of 7 is " << double_number(7) << std::endl; }
Each type of library has its own advantages and trade-offs. Static libraries are easy to distribute and guarantee all code is present in the final executable, but they can increase the size of your binaries. Shared libraries help save memory and disk space when used by many programs, but require careful version management. Header-only libraries are incredibly easy to use and distribute, but can lead to longer compile times and larger binaries if not designed carefully.
Understanding these types helps you choose the right approach for your project, whether you're building a small utility or a large, reusable framework.
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