Intel® Fortran Compiler 18.0 Developer Guide and Reference
The ATTRIBUTES directive options DLLEXPORT and DLLIMPORT define a dynamic-link library's interface for processes that use them. The options can be assigned to module variables, COMMON blocks, and procedures. These directive options are available on Windows* and macOS* systems.
!DIR$ ATTRIBUTES DLLEXPORT :: object[, object] ...
!DIR$ ATTRIBUTES DLLIMPORT :: object[, object] ...
object |
Is the name of a module variable, COMMON block, or procedure. The name of a COMMON block must be enclosed in slashes. |
DLLEXPORT and DLLIMPORT define the interface for the following dynamic-link libraries:
DLL on Windows*
DYLIB on macOS*
DLLEXPORT specifies that procedures or data are being exported to other applications or dynamic libraries. This causes the compiler to produce efficient code; for example, eliminating the need on Windows systems for a module definition (.def) file to export symbols.
DLLEXPORT should be specified in the routine to which it applies. If the routine's implementation is in a submodule, specify DLLEXPORT in the parent module's INTERFACE block for the routine. If MODULE PROCEDURE is used in the submodule, the DLLEXPORT attribute will be inherited; otherwise you must also specify DLLEXPORT in the submodule routine.
Symbols defined in a DLL are imported by programs that use them. On Windows*, the program must link with the DLL import library (.lib).
The DLLIMPORT option is used inside the program unit that imports the symbol. DLLIMPORT is specified in a declaration, not a definition, since you cannot define a symbol you are importing.