Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

According to the present invention a variety of methods and apparatus for providing dynamically linked libraries are taught. A 'standard DLL' is a dynamically linked library (DLL) which is pulled into the data closure of a process by direct reference in the process' root DLL or by direct reference in other DLLs present in the data closure. In contrast, the present invention teaches a 'phantom DLL' which is pushed into the data closure of an executable process and is not directly referenced either by the root DLL or by other DLLs present in the data closure. In some embodiments the phantom DLL includes an anonymous initialization routine which the binding manager executes when the phantom DLL is added to a new process data enclosure. By executing the initialization routine the phantom DLL has an opportunity to execute and impact the computing environment of the new process. A method for dynamically binding a root DLL and a plurality of DLLs into an executable process on a computer system includes the steps of storing a collection of standard DLLs and phantom DLLs in a memory of the computer system, receiving a bind command within an operating system function, determining which standard dynamically linked libraries are needed by the root DLL, and determining which phantom dynamically linked libraries are to be used within the executable process.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim