Dynamic Libraries vs Monolithic Binaries
Developers should use dynamic libraries when building modular applications that need to share code across multiple executables, as they reduce binary size and memory footprint meets developers should use monolithic binaries when prioritizing ease of deployment, portability, and reduced operational complexity, such as in embedded systems, cli tools, or containerized applications. Here's our take.
Dynamic Libraries
Developers should use dynamic libraries when building modular applications that need to share code across multiple executables, as they reduce binary size and memory footprint
Dynamic Libraries
Nice PickDevelopers should use dynamic libraries when building modular applications that need to share code across multiple executables, as they reduce binary size and memory footprint
Pros
- +They are essential for plugin architectures, system libraries, and software that requires runtime updates or versioning, such as operating system components or large-scale applications with shared dependencies
- +Related to: static-libraries, linker
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
Monolithic Binaries
Developers should use monolithic binaries when prioritizing ease of deployment, portability, and reduced operational complexity, such as in embedded systems, CLI tools, or containerized applications
Pros
- +They are ideal for scenarios where dependency management is challenging or when distributing software to users with varying system configurations, as they ensure consistent execution across environments
- +Related to: static-linking, compilation
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
The Verdict
Use Dynamic Libraries if: You want they are essential for plugin architectures, system libraries, and software that requires runtime updates or versioning, such as operating system components or large-scale applications with shared dependencies and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.
Use Monolithic Binaries if: You prioritize they are ideal for scenarios where dependency management is challenging or when distributing software to users with varying system configurations, as they ensure consistent execution across environments over what Dynamic Libraries offers.
Developers should use dynamic libraries when building modular applications that need to share code across multiple executables, as they reduce binary size and memory footprint
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