In computing, DLL Hell is a term for the complications that arise when working with dynamic link libraries (DLLs) used with Microsoft Windows operating systems, particularly legacy 16-bit editions which all run in a single memory space. While the phrase is Windows-specific and a derivation of the general cross-platform phrase "dependency hell", the rhyme "DLL hell" makes its use popular for discussing a general Windows-related dependency hell case.
DLL Hell can manifest itself in many different ways; typically applications do not launch or work correctly. Applications on modern versions of Windows suffer less from this issue following the introduction of the .NET Framework, registry-free COM and features in the operating system that prevent system files from being overwritten.
Famous quotes containing the word hell:
“Not in the legions
Of horrid hell can come a devil more damned
To top Macbeth.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)