Size of dlls

  • Thread starter Thread starter Steve W
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Steve W

We have our code in about a dozen different VB.Net objects.

I'd like to ask 2 questions :

1. The compiled .dll files range in size from 10kb to 200kb, except for
one that is around 750Kb. Should I worry about this and look to split this
into smaller files ? I guess the question I am asking is whether once an
object has been loaded by the CLR once (by the first instantiation of it),
what is the cost of further instantiations ? Does the object get loaded all
over again or does the fact that the code is already in memory reduce the
amount of work that needs to be done by the CLR (and presumably memory
requirements) ? If the former then does that imply I should consider
splitting this object into several others ?

2. All the objects inherit from our template object. Should I be concerned
about the size of this object ? What impact on loading derived objects are
there if this is large ?

Thanks

Steve
 
I do not have sufficient expertise to answer your questions definitively,
but since on one else answered I'll share what I know:

1. I believe how you split up your DLL's, except perhaps in extreme
situations, won't make any noticeable impact on performance. The decisions
you make on how to split up your DLL's should be driven by your project's
organizing principles. Ask questions like: Which components make sense to
keep independent? Are there any that will never change? Will some be reused
in other projects? If your project is large, organization should be high on
your list of design considerations.

2. It is my understanding that layers of inheritance have a minimal impact
on performance. However - maybe there are cases when this isn't true, but
having all (is it really *all*?) your objects inherit from a template object
doesn't sound like good design practice. Since VB.Net doesn't support
multiple inheritance, you should consider using an interface instead.

I would be interested in learning more about your project if you want to
share it with us.

HTH,
Bob
 
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