Access the import library

The import library of the DLL is provided to enable your Informix® ESQL/C application to access the ESQL client-interface DLL.

The linker uses an import library to locate functions that are contained in the DLL. It contains references that reconcile function names used in an application with the library module that contains the function.

When you link a static library to your application, the linker copies program code from your static-link libraries to the executable file. However, if you link an import library to your application, the linker does not copy the program code when it links the executable file. Instead, the linker stores the information needed to locate the functions in the DLL. When you run your application, this location information serves as a dynamic link to the DLL.

The ESQL client-interface library provides location information for the Informix® ESQL/C function calls. The esql command processor automatically links the import and Windows™ libraries for the DLL whenever you use it to compile and link your Informix® ESQL/C program.