PxPlus supports the ability to create a freestanding program and data library within a single Windows DLL.   This facility allows you to combine multiple programs and files into a convenient single file that can be included with a PxPlus executive in order to run an application.

Normally when shipping a PxPlus based application, the developer needs to include not only PxPlus but the applications programs and supporting control files such as NOMADS panel libraries.   Using the PxPlus DLL Library allows the application and its related programs and files to be placed into a single DLL, which can be installed along side PxPlus.   Not only does this simplify the installation process but also minimizes the risk that individual programs and/or files could get lost or damaged resulting in the application not working as designed.

Not only can the application itself be embedded within the DLL Library, but also all the PxPlus supporting programs and utilities that are normally found in the 'lib' subdirectory.

This feature is a Windows only feature and not available for Linux/Unix installations.

Advantages

There are numerous advantages to using PxPlus DLL libraries as a means to distribute your application:

• Reduces the number of files needing to be installed
• Eliminates potential for changes to required code and/or control structures
• Convenient way to release updates as a single DLL
• Consistent with Vista UAC rights to prevent unwanted changes to application logic
• Faster load times when accessing modules/files for DLL

The net result can be an application that installs with only the PxPlus EXE, its required DLLs (Grid, etc) and your application DLL, all of which can be installed securely and in sections of the operating system that prevent unwanted tampering without proper authorization.

For further information check out:

• Maintenance Utility
• File Lists
• DLL Library conventions