DLL dynamically load

This article applies to Windows only.

See also: Multiplatform Programming Guide

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The tutorial shows how a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) is loaded dynamically .

The DLL (DLLTest.dll) referred to in the example below:

 library info;

 {$mode objfpc} {$H+}

 uses
   SysUtils;

 {$R *.res}

 // The DLL subroutine
 function funStringBack(strIn : string) : PChar;
   begin
     funStringBack := PChar(UpperCase(strIn));
   end ;


 // Exported subroutine(s)
 exports
   funStringBack;

 begin
 end.

What should I do:

• Define memory
  • A data type must be created that corresponds exactly to the (external) subroutine that is to be imported from the DLL.
• Reserve memory
  • Memory must be reserved for a variable (data field) to which the above data type is assigned.
  • Memory must be reserved for a handle, to which the DLL handle will be assigned later.
• Assign DLL and external subroutine and accept the data
  • Call the DLL and assign the handle of the DLL to the handle.
  • The pointer for the variables must be changed to the memory of the external subroutine.
  • The result of the external subroutine is to be accepted.
• Free all memory
  • The pointer for the variables must point to an invalid memory area again (:= nil) to release the external subroutine.
  • The memory of the DLL must be released again.

Integrate, use and release the DLL subroutine in your own program:

 uses
   Windows, ...;

   ...

 Include function funDll : string;
 type
   // Definition of the subroutine to be called, as defined in the DLL to be used
   TfunStringBack = function(strIn : string) : PChar;  stdcall;

 var
   // Creates a suitable variable (data field) for the DLL subroutine
   funStringBack : TfunStringBack;
   // Creates a handle for the DLL
   LibHandle : THandle;

 begin
   // Get the handle of the library to be used
   LibHandle := LoadLibrary(PChar('DLLTest.dll'));

   // Checks whether loading the DLL was successful
   if LibHandle <> 0 then
     begin
       // Assigns the address of the subroutine call to the variable funStringBack
       // 'funStringBack' from the DLL DLLTest.dll
       Pointer(funStringBack) := GetProcAddress(LibHandle, 'funStringBack');

       // Checks whether a valid address has been returned
       if @funStringBack <> nil then
         Result := funStringBack('hello world');
     end;

   // release memory
   funStringBack := nil;
   FreeLibrary(LibHandle);

 end;

   ...