How To Compress Your Executables and DLLs, And Be Able To Run/Use Them Without Decompressing?

What we will be discussing in this article is executable (files with .exe extension) and dll (files with .dll extension) compressors/packers. What is this type of software, where can they be used and how can they be useful. What are their advantages? All of these questions will be answered here.

The packers, as we call them, are special software designed to compress executables and dll on your operating system so that you can save in disk space while maintaining program integrity and moreover be able to run them without the need of manual decompression.

How does this work? The packer compresses your executable. When you run the executable, it will run exactly as before, with nothing to indicate that it has been compressed, except in loading speed.

How can compressing my executables and dlls decrease my program's load time? What is meant by load time here is the time taken to load the application into the computer's memory (RAM). When you compress the executable or dll's size, the latter decreases. A small size means that the hard disk (which is mechanical) has to do a lot less of work to load it into the memory. Then once in the memory, the computer decompresses it. Now, you might be asking yourself the decompression time might take time. However, you need to know that the computer memory (RAM) is electronic. This means that all of the actions are done very quickly compared to the hard disk. This means that overall, executable/dll loading speed is decreased if they are compressed.

Now, what are the advantages?

- Saves up disk space
- Decreases executable/dll load time
- Decreases download time if executable/dll is being downloaded from the Internet
- If you are launching the application over a network, the application load time is reduced.
- Bandwidth is saved if you are offering the executable/dll for download
- Other distribution and storage costs is reduced

There is no reason for you not to compress your executables and dlls. Compressing your executables and dlls is advantageous for you.

Hirvesh Marshall maintains a web page on FREE Executable And DLL Compressors and Archiving Utilities (http://www.codefusionlab.co.cc/freefilecompressorsarchivers.html) at Codefusion Lab. Codefusion Lab is a site dedicated to provide free and useful software to other persons. You can get more software at Codefusion Lab: Free PC Tools and Webmaster's Resource (http://www.codefusionlab.co.cc).