Microsoft® Visual C++® .NET 2003 Kick Start

Chapter 5. Writing a Class Library in Unmanaged C++

IN THIS CHAPTER

• The Role of a Class Library in a Layered Application

• Creating a Class Library

• Calling the Library from Other Applications

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Writing an Unmanaged Class Library

• In Brief

The Role of a Class Library in a Layered Application

A class library is a collection of classes. Unlike an application, it can't be executed—either in a console prompt or as a Windows application—it can only provide services, on request, to other applications.

Why would a project include a class library, a collection of classes? After all, you can just put all your classes in your application. For small projects, you might not need a class library, but large projects benefit from the organization ...