3.2. Binary library formats

Binary libraries are available in different formats, depending on the C compiler (see Section 2.5, “C compiler”) used to build it and of course the platform they were build for.

3.2.1. Unix

If you have installed unix binary libraries on your system, they will match the C compiler. If not already installed, the libraries should be available as a package from the platform installer, or you can download and compile the source and install that binaries then.

3.2.2. Win32: MSVC V6

Recommended for current Win32 Ethereal releases. Most of the Win32 binary libraries you will find on the web are in this format. You will recognize MSVC libraries by the .lib/.dll file extension.

3.2.3. Win32: MSVC 2003

Currently not widely available, but the first libraries in that format can be seen on the web. These libraries have the same .lib/.dll file extension, but unfortunately they are not completely compatible as they are linked with different dependant libraries, see Section 2.5, “C compiler” for some further explanations.

3.2.4. Win32: cygwin gcc

Cygwin provides most of the required libraries (with file extension .a/.lib) for Ethereal suitable for cygwin's gcc compiler.