DLL hell

noun

Problems caused by incompatible versions of a DLL (dynamic-link library).

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Meanings

nounDLL hell (uncountable)
  1. informaluncountablecomputingProblems caused by incompatible versions of a DLL (dynamic-link library).

    A more succinct way to say this is that the versioning the CLR enforces for strong-named assemblies means the end of DLL hell.

    2002, David Chappell, Understanding .NET: A Tutorial and Analysis
    1 more example

    Another feature of Windows 2000 or later Windows operating systems that deals with DLL Hell is file protection: system DLLs are protected...

    2006, Nagel et al, Professional C# 2005
Cite this entry
APA

DLL hell. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/DLL%20hell

MLA

“DLL hell.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/DLL%20hell. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “DLL hell,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/DLL%20hell.

Source: DLL hell on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.