Can a Matlab program that calls a DLL be built into an executable file?

I have a Matlab program that calls a DLL. It works fine, using loadlibrary and calllibrary. The DLL is from another source, and I have no control over it. It includes a header file, of course.

I have tried to build a distributable version of my program, using Deploytool, but have experienced several failures. However, I am able to successfully create an executable package if I DON'T call the DLL, so I assume the DLL is the problem.

I have a hunch that this has to do with the header file. I removed the header file, and was able to "Build" successfully. However, when I "Package" this build, it fails.

The "Build" failure reports "An error occurred while shelling out to mbuild (error code = 2). Unable to build executable."

The "Package" failure reports "zip I/O error: Permission denied. zip error: Could not create output file (C:/Users…etc.)"

Does anyone know whether there are limitation to deploytool regarding calling DLLs, or what could be going wrong here?

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

Use a prototype file; see http://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/ref/loadlibrary.html

[Canoe Commuter]

Wow. Like magic, it now works. Thank you, Walter! I created a prototype file, following some instructions that I found here: http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/96578 This is a .m file that takes the place of the header (.h) file when building the executable.

I still have the trouble with packaging, but I think this has a separate cause, and although it claims to have failed, it produces a working executable package.

[Image Analyst]

Try the FAQ http://matlab.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ#My_standalone_executable_won.27t_run_on_the_target_computer._What_can_I_try.3F to resolve the remaining issues, especially Dependency Walker and Process Explorer. Or call the Mathworks if you still can't figure it out.