Importing data using __declspec(dllimport)

In the case of data, using __declspec(dllimport) is a convenience item that removes a layer of indirection. When you import data from a DLL, you still have to go through the import address table. Before __declspec(dllimport), this meant you had to remember to do an extra level of indirection when accessing data exported from the DLL:

// project.h
// Define PROJECT_EXPORTS when building your DLL
#ifdef PROJECT_EXPORTS   // If accessing the data from inside the DLL
   ULONG ulDataInDll;

#else         // If accessing the data from outside the DLL
   ULONG *ulDataInDll;
#endif

You would then export the data in your .DEF file:

// project.def
LIBRARY project
EXPORTS
   ulDataInDll   CONSTANT

and access it outside the DLL:

if (*ulDataInDll == 0L)
{
   // Do stuff here
}

When you mark the data as __declspec(dllimport), the compiler automatically generates the indirection code for you. You no longer have to worry about the steps above. As stated previously, do not use __declspec(dllimport) declaration on the data when building the DLL. Functions within the DLL do not use the import address table to access the data object; therefore, you will not have the extra level of indirection present.

To export the data automatically from the DLL, use this declaration:

// project.h
// Define PROJECT_EXPORTS when building your DLL
#ifdef PROJECT_EXPORTS   // If accessing the data from inside the DLL
   __declspec(dllexport) ULONG ulDataInDLL;

#else         // If accessing the data from outside the DLL
   __declspec(dllimport) ULONG ulDataInDLL;
#endif

Importing into an Application