how to compile code using external dll library - c++

Question

I want to compile program with one file test.cpp, which use external library (i have dll and lib). How to do that?
My test.cpp
#include <ExternalLib.h>
#include <iostream>
#include <stdio.h>
#define USE_USB_AUTO_CONNECT 1
int main()
{
printf ("Characters: %c %c \n", 'a', 65);
return 0;
}
ExternalLib is provided by third part company with files: ExternalLib.lib and ExternalLib.dll. There are also files with extension so and a.
When I compile with command:
g++ test.cpp
I get error:
test.cpp:1:20: fatal error: ExternalLib.h: No such file or directory
#include <ExternalLib.h>
Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

I think you are trying to use dll files (compiled in Windows) under Linux, that will not work.
Anyway your error is that the compiler isn't able to locate your header file, to solve this you have several options:
1) Provide the include path when compiling using -I switch
i.e.: g++ test.cpp -I<path to your include directory>
2) Copy the ExternalLib.h to the same directory in which test.cpp lies and use #include "ExternalLib.h" instead of #include <ExternalLib.h>
3) Provide relative path to ExternalLib.h starting from the directory in which test.cpp lies. That is, replace #include <ExternalLib.h> for #include "../../external/ExternalLib.h"
This will solve the No such file or directory problem. Then you will also have to provide the binary/library files using -L (for library path) and -l (for library file) switches.