Use libraries compiled with visual studio in an application compiled by g++ (mingw)

Question

Is it possible to use a library compiled by visual studio in an application compiled by g++ (mingw) on Windows?

Martin B · Accepted Answer · 2009-07-16 15:09:36Z

If the library is written in C++ and exposes a C++ interface: no (because the name-mangling differs between g++ and VC++).
If the library is a static library written in C (or with an extern "C" interface): yes, but certain caveats apply.
If the library is a DLL with a C interface: yes, but you'll have to create your own import library.

You don't need an import lib if you load the DLL with LoadLibrary() or LoadLibraryEx().
Your links are 404 now. It would be preferable for the answer to cover the basics of what the links say , and offer the links as supporting reference.

Community · Accepted Answer · 2017-05-23 11:49:30Z

2

Also see the discussion for question QT/mingw32 undefined reference errors… unable to link a .lib

edited May 23, 2017 at 11:49

CommunityBot

11 silver badge

answered Jul 16, 2009 at 15:49

Jesse Vogt

16.6k18 gold badges63 silver badges72 bronze badges

Comments

BCS · Accepted Answer · 2009-07-17 16:29:36Z

From a technical standpoint, there isn't any reason you shouldn't be able to (it's all x86 after all). As for in practice, there are a number of tools for converting between library and object file formats. If you can find the correct one and deal with any naming, calling convention and structure layout differences (I don't know that you will or won't need to deal with any of that) you should be good.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Use libraries compiled with visual studio in an application compiled by g++ (mingw)

3 Answers 3

2 Comments

Comments

Comments

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

3 Answers 3

2 Comments

Comments

Comments

Linked

Related