C and C++ Import Libraries

The import libraries (.LIB files) are used by C or C++ programs to resolve any calls to the DTWAIN DLL library when the linker attempts to find definitions for the DTWAIN functions. Each compiler must use an import library that is compatible with the compiler.  If an import library that is designed for Visual C++ is used in a Borland project, linker errors will result from doing this.  Therefore, DTWAIN comes with various import libraries that you should use for whatever C++ compiler you are using.

If your compiler is not listed below, the compiler usually has tools that can create an import library given a DLL file.  For example, the IMPLIB.EXE program that comes with the Borland compilers can be used to create an import library.  If such tools are not available, you should use the method described in Using DTWAIN without an Import Library to successfully use DTWAIN.

Note that the import library is *not* a static library.  A static library would contain all of the DTWAIN object code, therefore the DTWAIN DLL would not be needed.  On the other hand, an import library just contains information on where the function can be found within the DTWAIN DLL (static libraries are only available if you have purchased DTWAIN)

The following import libraries are included in the installation of DTWAIN:

Microsoft Visual C++ 5.0 and above (this includes Visual Studio up to 2012)

Borland C++ 5.0, 5.01, 5.02

Borland C++ Builder