C dll for vB

[CornedBee]

I want to recode an algorithm in my vb-program in c/c++ for faster execution. I think a dll is the only way to do that. But I have many problems using the vB "Declare" directive, so my quesiton is: is there an easy way to link into vBs COM? Is there maybe a predefined skeleton that provides functions to vB where I can simply write my function and register it?
This is something urgent, so plz help quick!
CornedBee

[parksie]

You don't need to register non-COM DLLs. Just code the function in C, and write a Declare for it.

If you search this forum for "Declare" (use my username) I made a long post about it.

[CornedBee]

i can't find the post, maybe you can supply a link?
or tell me exactly what i have to type in the search form
thx
CornedBee

[CornedBee]

Ok, now i have a basic dll (like your testdll) up and running.
Now on to the real problem: why can't I change an argument passed with ByRef, like in this sample:

C:

void STDCALL reffunc(long* pArg)
{
    // output *pArg, correct value
    *pArg = 100;
    // output *pArg, correct value
} 

vB:

declare sub reffunc lib LIBNAME (ByRef arg as Long)

private sub command1_click()
    dim i as long
    i = 20
    reffunc (i)
    // output i, still 20 :(

I have no idea why this happens, it seems that the ByRef call still allocates a copy of the parameter

CornedBee

[parksie]

How about trying something like this:

declare sub reffunc lib LIBNAME (ByVal pArg as Long)

' ...
    dim i as long
    i = 20
    reffunc VarPtr(i)
'...

This time, it's passing a Long value directly, using the return value of VarPtr which is like C's & operator: VarPtr(i) = &i

[CornedBee]

Thanks alot!
This works, and it even works with arrays!
You da man!!!!

Or, like those at the js-forum would put it:
-> ->

(/me builds a shrine for parksie)

[parksie]

Hehe thanks Always nice to be appreciated

Actually, whenever pointers are needed I always pass a Long by value (ByVal) using VarPtr (I'm still undecided on whether StrPtr does much different).