Developer Reference > Getting Started > Programmer's Guide > Interface Libraries
Interface Libraries
Interface libraries are covered in the following topics:
Overview of Interface Libraries
The appropriate way to access the MicroKernel Engine from your Windows application is to link to a library that references the Btrieve Glue DLL when you compile. The Glue DLL is responsible for "glueing" your application to the Interface DLL. Like traditional glue (adhesive material), the Glue DLL is a thin layer between your application and the Interface DLL. The Glue DLL is responsible for successfully performing the following actions:
1. Loads the Interface DLL.
2. Binds to (that is, imports symbols from) the Interface DLL.
If the Glue DLL encounters a failure condition at any step, it issues an appropriate status code that your application can use to alert the user of the failure.
The following table shows the link libraries that your application can link with and the DLLs to load.
Operating System and Compiler1
Glue DLL
Link Library
Windows 32-bit (Microsoft Visual C++, Watcom, Embarcadero)
W3BTRV7.DLL
W3BTRV7.LIB
Windows 64-bit
W64BTRV.DLL
W64BTRV.LIB
1Compiler-specific libraries are in different subdirectories. To link Win32 applications, use the \Win32 directory if you use the Microsoft compiler; use the \Win32x directory if you use the Embarcadero or Watcom compiler.To link applications for UWP platforms such as Nano Server or Windows IoT Core, use the \winuwp directory.
Linux and macOS
Linux and macOS have no glue components. The application directly links against the shared library that implements the interface. The MicroKernel Engine link library is libpsqlmif for both Linux 32-bit and Linux and macOS 64-bit applications.
Distributing Zen Applications
If you plan to develop an application using a Zen database engine, you need to be aware of the following requirements for distributing your applications:
Distribution Rules for Zen
After you have developed an application with Zen, you must be aware of the licensing agreement you have with Actian Corporation to distribute your product. If you have any questions regarding your distribution rights, please contact your sales representative.
Installing Zen with your Application
See Installation Toolkit Handbook for information on customizing the Zen installation.
Last modified date: 10/31/2023