I need to view the contents of a library

[DPlank]

I'm a bit new to c++.

Can anyone explain how I actually view the code inside a library?

I want to know how things in there work, but when I opened the .lib file all I got was garbage. I'm figuring it's pre-compiled.

I want to see how the methods in there are coded, and the header file doesn't give enough information.

Thanks in advance
David

[joinedupwriting]
"whaddaya mean, 'invalid tag'?!?"
[/joinedupwriting]

 

[chipperMDW]

If it's an open-source library, go to its website and download the code.

If not, you can't do much. You can "decompile" to assembly, but that's no fun to look at, and not very explanatory.

 

[Cagliostro]

you could use header files for that libraries. Also is feasible to use theirs .tlb files, if there are some of them ...

Ion Filipski

ICQ: 95034075
AIM: IonFilipski
filipski@excite.com

 

[neegozeroiche]

Sounds like a commercial library. If they're not distibuting the source you're probably sol. As already mentioned, you could build an app that imports the symbols you're interested in and step through it with a debugger...and if they provide a debug library then the assembly will be kept to a minimum (tee,hee!).

If you've got the headers and the library isn't broken, just link to it and be happy it works. The deeper you look the more you'll realize what a miracle it is that any of this stuff works at all...

 

[ArkM]

In most countries copyright laws set prohibition to all forms of disassembling of computer codes. It's generally known assertion: it is impossible to decompile high level language code (with proper quality sources generated). It cost dear to test (study)lib (object code) file as black box. Avoid to reach a deadlock. Write more your own fully controllable, clear etc codes. Read more open source pro codes...