How to create a .h of a .LIB in C++ (IDE:Visual Studio 6)

[Arks]

Hi all, my first topic here to ask help or informations!
I have to create a wrapper (.h) for a .lib using Visual Studio 6.

Here the question:
I have only the compiled .lib (nothing else).
I have to create a .h for that .lib with some methods contained in the .lib, so both will be included in another project and can be used by the users.
Is it possible? How can I create the .h? (a short tutorial??)

I'm going crazy!!

[RedSon]

When you create a new project it typically consists of a header file and a code file or implementation. When you build your project it creates a .lib (unless you have it set to create a .dll or .exe). If you want to use your lib on a project all you need to do is add the proper #include at the top of your new code file. And you must also make sure that your linker settings know where your previously created .lib is.

[Arks]

For example, at the top of my .h, I have to write:

#include "MyLib.lib"

but how can I call the method of the .lib??

I.E.: in the .lib I have isUsable(), in the .h can I write something as.....:

bool flag == true;
if (flag)
std::cout<< isUsable() << std::endl

[RedSon]

You use it like however you wrote it. If its static then you do something like MyLib.method()

Or if its in a class then you do MyLibClass.method()

Its the same as using any other .h file in any other project. Don't be intimidated or confused by it being a .lib.

[Arks]

Sorry, but I'm really stupid atp.
In my test.h, where I want to create a wrapper, I wrote:

#include "MyLib.lib"
or
#include "c:.................MyLib.lib"

\\\\\\\ERROR///////
error C2143: syntax error : missing ';' before '!'
error C2018: unknown character '0x60'
and so on......

could be that the .LIB is created on Visual Studio 2005 and I want to create a wrapper using Visual Studio 6?


instead if I do this:

MyLib.Method();

error C2065: 'MyLib' : undeclared identifier
error C2228: left of '.Method' must have class/struct/union type

[RedSon]

You should add MyLib.h or MyLib.cpp and let the linker pick the right .lib. You also don't need to put the full path you can just put the library in and tell in your linker config settings where the lib is.

[Arks]

Ok restart from 0.

I have MyLib.lib, it's a result of a compilation of a project that a friend of mine gave to me.
I have to create a wrapper of this .lib so I can include the wrapper and the .lib in other projects and the people can use my work.

I created with the wizard a console application called "TestProject" in visual studio 6, then I opened the "Properties" of "TestProject" and I wrote in the "Linker": MyLib.lib, now:

How can I create the wrapper that works with MyLib.lib?

[RedSon]

It doesnt work like that. When you create a lib you make a .h and a .cpp then when you make the project part of the output of that build process is the .lib. So you then distribute the .lib and the .h to everyone. That way people can use your .lib with out worrying about the implementation details of the .lib and all they will have is the interface to the lib which is the .h. All you need to do is include the .h into your file and make sure that the .lib is on your linker's path.