Confusion between .dll and ActiveX dll

I am new to VB. So please be patient and forgiving...!!
Here are my two questions.

What is the diffrence between ActiveX dll and dll (compiled class) ?
They both can be used in multiple projects and are dll's.

*1. So what makes ActiveX dll special?

Also, If i am making an ActiveX control which have it's properties and methods. After compiling, i will be
creating .ocx file. Now, i can use this control in multiple projects.

*2. A normal dll can also execute methods and will allow to set properties. So what's need of ActiveX control?
I am finding it as "Just another dll file with .ocx extension". Please clarify....

Waiting eagerly.

Thanks in advance.
Abhay Bakshi



I am new to VB. So please be patient and forgiving...!!

Well an ActiveX Control has an interface just like all the ones in the toolbox, where as a DLL does not. It is more like a collection/library of functions or classes. Although there are many similarites they are used quite differently.

An Activex Dll are dynamically linked whereas a normal Dll can be statically linked(you dont have this option in VB).
A normal DLL is more efficient than an ACx DLL.

A normal DLL can be created using C++ and other languages.
An Acx Dll can be created through VC++, VB, VJ++ etc.

*1 An Acx Control gives you a visual interface and run in-process
An Acx DLL usually doesnt provide a visual interface and run in-process.

*2. You need to add the component(control) to a project whereas you reference a DLL. Both are reusable COM.