What is the purpose of DLLs instead of static libraries
I am using a library that that handles a variety of tasks related to game development. It comes with a compiled library files for both static linking and dynamic linking. Forgive my short-sightedness, but I ask, why would anyone use the DLLs over the static libraries when both are available? If using DLLs, it seems like this could introduce a variety of programs, like the DLLs being misplaced, lost, and it makes distribution of software less convenient. It could theoretically increase loading time for a program as well. The only practical benefit I see to using the DLLs is so maybe multiple programs can use the libraries, thus reducing the size of the programs.
What is the purpose of DLLs instead of static libraries
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I am using a library that that handles a variety of tasks related to game development. It comes with a compiled library files for both static linking and dynamic linking. Forgive my short-sightedness, but I ask, why would anyone use the DLLs over the static libraries when both are available? If using DLLs, it seems like this could introduce a variety of programs, like the DLLs being misplaced, lost, and it makes distribution of software less convenient. It could theoretically increase loading time for a program as well. The only practical benefit I see to using the DLLs is so maybe multiple programs can use the libraries, thus reducing the size of the programs.