Different ways to access C DLL functions from perl

PerlRider has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

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Re: Different ways to access C DLL functions from perl by syphilis (Archbishop) on Jan 04, 2013 at 12:20 UTC
Can someone please let me know the ways to access C DLL functions through perl There's 3 ways that come immediately to mind: 1) Use Win32::API; 2) Use Inline::C; 3) Use XS; Note that 2) and 3) are essentially the same, but Inline::C is less complicated (IMO). However, both 2) and 3) require that you have a C compiler. If you have a Microsoft compiler, then you'll also need an import library (.lib) for the DLL. If you don't have the import lib, I think it could be created from the dll. If you use a (mingw port of) the gcc compiler, you can link directly to the dll, and don't even need an import library. There are other options as regards compilers, but I'm not familiar with them. So ... it's really just a question of how you want to approach it. I would use a MinGW port of gcc and Inline::C. Win32::API has simply caused me too much grief over the years, and I couldn't write an XS file by hand if my life depended on it ... but perhaps that says more about me than anything else. Which path do you want to go down ? Cheers, Rob	[reply]
Re^2: Different ways to access C DLL functions from perl by PerlRider (Initiate) on Jan 07, 2013 at 07:21 UTC
Hi Rob, Can you please let me know the way to use XS module to access C DLLs into perl. I am quite new to this module usage. If any prerequisites to create DLL or to access DLL functions needed please share. If possible can you please explain with simple example? :-( Waiting for your valuable reply...	[reply]
Re^3: Different ways to access C DLL functions from perl by Anonymous Monk on Jan 07, 2013 at 07:30 UTC
Like, the module comes with those :) There is also Getting Started with Inline::C, I'm sure there are more out there	[reply]
Re: Different ways to access C DLL functions from perl by marto (Cardinal) on Jan 04, 2013 at 10:17 UTC
Perl 5.6 is almost 13 years old. Consider upgrading and keeping your platforms running software which is maintained. Update: Fixed typo.	[reply]
Re^2: Different ways to access C DLL functions from perl by PerlRider (Initiate) on Jan 04, 2013 at 11:24 UTC
Is it possible to load C DLLs using XSLoader.pm module in Perl 5.6 without upgrading to latest version of Perl? I need to access C DLL functions in perl script or module.	[reply]
Re: Different ways to access C DLL functions from perl by BrowserUk (Patriarch) on Jan 04, 2013 at 11:27 UTC
Try Win32::API 0.20 from here via the PPM install instructions at the bottom of the page. If it works (install and/or module) great. If not, I can't help. With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday' Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error. "Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority". In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.	[reply]
Re: Different ways to access C DLL functions from perl by Anonymous Monk on Jan 04, 2013 at 10:08 UTC
Can someone please share the other ways to use C DLLs in perl? Inline::C, but if you can't manage to install Win32::API, or a newer perl, then it probably won't be of much use	[reply]
Re^2: Different ways to access C DLL functions from perl by syphilis (Archbishop) on Jan 04, 2013 at 12:30 UTC
Actually, Inline::C should be fine on perl-5.6. And I think Win32::API should also be fine - though perhaps it requires an older version. (I'm quite out of touch with how recent versions of Win32::API work on 5.6). Cheers, Rob	[reply]