IDL files, not DLL?

DoubleDutch · Post by **DoubleDutch** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:23 pm

What is an IDL file?

If you look at:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library ... S.85).aspx

You will see that windows 7 has .idl as the extender that before you would see .dll !!!

Anyone know how to open and use an IDL file?

I'd like to use the new Ribbon interface if a user uses my app on Windows 7.

Edit:
Ahh! It's to do with COM...
http://www.codeproject.com/KB/COM/Basic ... _file.aspx

Perhaps SRod may come to the rescue?

Trond · Post by **Trond** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:27 pm

It just contains the description of a COM interface.

srod · Post by **srod** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 9:14 pm

An .idl (interface definition language) file is usually compiled by the MIDL compiler to create either a proxy/stub for an out of process COM server or a type library for a COM server - usually an automation server or an ActiveX control etc.

I don't think you would attempt to access the idl file directly; but would instead compile it using MIDL or use it for reference. Simply load it up into notepad and browse through it to look at the interfaces; their methods and properties and so on.

DoubleDutch · Post by **DoubleDutch** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 11:50 pm

Trond & SRod: Thanks for the info. I'll take a further look.