Using DLL in debug or release mode?

Question

I downloaded a precompiled SQLite DLL from http://www.sqlite.org at this link sqlite-dll-win32-x86-3080600.zip .

Can I use the same DLL both in Debug and Release mode? What would be the difference and how is it possible? I'm using Visual C++ 2012 Compiler.

Answer 1

For the DLL internals to be visible in debug mode, it has to be compiled in debug mode. Otherwise, no debug info will be available (eg watch variables, step into, etc.). On the other hand, a DLL compiled in debug mode shouldn't be used for release since it is slower and contains unnecessary code. I am not sure if the existence of the debug functions constitute a security risk, but having additional hooks in your DLL in a production environment doesn't sound safe.

Hope that helps!