C# Programming › .NET Framework Fundamentals

What is the difference between an EXE and a DLL?

Beginner

Answer

An EXE, or executable file, is a standalone program that can be run directly by the operating system and typically contains an entry point, such as a Main method, that starts the application. A DLL, or Dynamic Link Library, contains reusable code, such as classes and methods, that is meant to be loaded and used by other programs or assemblies rather than run on its own, allowing multiple applications to share the same compiled functionality without duplicating code.

// A class library project compiles to a .dll
// A console app project compiles to a .exe
dotnet new classlib -o MyLibrary
dotnet new console -o MyApp

Real-world example A company builds a shared DLL containing common validation logic that is then referenced by several different EXE applications across the organization, avoiding the need to duplicate that same logic in every project.

Common follow-ups: Can a DLL be executed directly like an EXE?;How do you reference a DLL from another project?

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