'''DECLARE DYNAMIC LIBRARY''' allows you to dynamically link your program to functions in dynamically linkable libraries. At present, only ''.DLL'' files are supported (support for ''.so'' will be added soon). These libraries are loaded when your program begins.
* The dynamic library file can be located in the QB64 folder (alongside your programs '.EXE'), in Windows' system32 folder, or in a relative/absolute path specified along with the library name.
* '''''.h'' header files cannot be used with DECLARE DYNAMIC LIBRARY. Existence of any ''.h'' file of the same name as the ''.DLL'' file will cause DECLARE DYNAMIC LIBRARY to fail.'''
* '''IMPORTANT:''' [[DECLARE DYNAMIC LIBRARY]] let's you specify any SUB/FUNCTION calling with the format you wish, but '''if the size of the parameter list does not match the size expected within the library, then your code will probably cause a GPF (General Protection Fault).
* '''STATIC''' is the same as [[DECLARE LIBRARY]] except that it prioritizes linking to static libraries (*.a/*.o) over shared object (*.so) libraries, if both exist. As Windows doesn't really use shared libraries (DLLs are a bit different) this does not affect Windows users.
* The [[_OFFSET]] in memory can be used in '''CUSTOMTYPE''', '''STATIC''' and '''DYNAMIC LIBRARY''' declarations.
* '''NOTE: It is up to the user to document and determine the suitability of all Libraries and procedures they choose to use. QB64 cannot guarantee that any procedure will work and cannot quarantee any troubleshooting help.'''
''Example 1:'' This example plays Midi files using the ''playmidi32.dll'' documented here: [http://libertybasicuniversity.com/lbnews/nl110/midi3.htm Liberty Basic University]. Download the following DLL file to your main QB64 folder: [https://www.qb64.org/resources/Playmidi32.dll PlayMidi32.dll]
<center>'''QB64 version 1.000 and up produce standalone executables. External DLL files must be distributed with your program.'''</center>
<center>'''Note: QB64 versions prior to 1.000 require all default DLL files to either be with the program or in the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 folder.'''</center>