c - what is use of .exp and what is the difference between .lib and .dll -

during compilation , linking, use of .exp? difference between .lib , .dll? know .lib used, while linking , .dll used when running program. difference between .lib , .dll?

does .lib file not contain code functions coming .dll files? need using 2 separate files?

please clarify. in advance

in case of import library dll, .lib file not contain actual code @ all. contains list of functions in associated dll -- enough linker embed reference dll linked library, not else.

a .exp file export file -- same .lib file. it's used (at least primarily) when have circular dependency. example, assume have dll acts plug-in executable. executable supplies exported functions use plug-in dlls, needs able call functions in plug-ins (e.g. load , initialize plug-in).

the dll won't link until executable built provide .lib file -- executable won't link until dll built provide .lib file. break dependency, run linker against executable, fails (because can't find .lib file dll), will produce .exp file. link dll against .exp file executable. can re-run link produce executable, using .lib file dll.