FreeImage and MinGW / LCC WIN 32
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This file explains how to create a FreeImage.a file from the FreeImage DLL, so that it can be linked with the MinGW / LCC WIN 32 / GNU gcc C compiler.

1) Open a DOS shell (run the program cmd.exe)

2) Add the MinGW path to your environment variable : 

C:\>set PATH=%PATH%;C:\mingw32\bin;

3) Creates a .def file from the FreeImage DLL

C:\>pexports freeimage.dll | sed "s/^_//" > freeimage_gcc.def

4) Creates the FreeImage.a file

C:\>dlltool -U -d freeimage_gcc.def -l freeimage.a 

Note : you may also use a batch file to automate this process : 

--- FIExport.bat ---
set PATH=%PATH%;C:\mingw32\bin;
pexports freeimage.dll | sed "s/^_//" > freeimage_gcc.def
dlltool -U -d freeimage_gcc.def -l libfreeimage.a 
--- FIExport.bat ---


Here are some links on the use of WIN32 DLL with the GNU C compiler : 
=====================================================================

==> About pexport

A Moron's Guide to Using Microsoft DLL's when Compiling Cygwin or Mingw Programs
http://www.emmestech.com/software/cygwin/pexports-0.43/moron1.html

==> About GNU tools and DLL 

Introduction to (mostly) GNU Programming Tools
http://webclub.kcom.ne.jp/ma/colinp/win32/tools/index.html

These pages are dealing with the use of Win32 DLL :

The DLL Import Library Tool
http://webclub.kcom.ne.jp/ma/colinp/win32/tools/dlltool.html

Using Dynamic Link Libraries
http://webclub.kcom.ne.jp/ma/colinp/win32/dll/use.html

