DLL Import Setup Issue

[byegates]

• Operating System Name: Windows 10 Enterprise
• db2level output from clidriver if in use:
• Target Db2 Server Version:
• Python Version: 3.11.7
• ibm_db version: 3.2.1

I was wondering why do we have to hard code DLL lib in python code? We used to be able to use clidriver without the need to explicitly hardcode/import DLL lib.
I am building python scripts for users without programming knowledge to use, their python are installed in different ways, therefore their clidriver location are different, I had to ask them to manually check clidriver location and update python code before using it, which adds lots of overhead, any suggestions?

[bimalkjha]

The os.add_dll_directory() function is part of the os module in Python (introduced in Python 3.8), and it is used to add a directory to the DLL (Dynamic Link Library) search path. This function is particularly useful when working with third-party DLLs or shared libraries that your Python application depends on.

Before Python 3.8, the DLL search path was influenced by the PATH environment variable. However, this could lead to issues, especially when Python was embedded in larger applications. The os.add_dll_directory() function was introduced to provide a more controlled and isolated way of managing the DLL search path.

Here's a basic example of how to use os.add_dll_directory():

import os

# Add a directory to the DLL search path
dll_directory = r'C:\Path\To\Your\DLLs'
os.add_dll_directory(dll_directory)

# Now, when loading a DLL or using ctypes, the specified directory is considered in the search path

This function is particularly useful when dealing with scenarios where the DLLs needed by your Python application are not in the system's default search paths. By using os.add_dll_directory(), you can ensure that the specified directory is considered when resolving DLL dependencies.

It's important to note that this function is available only in Python 3.8 and later versions. If you're working with an earlier version of Python, you might need to consider alternative approaches or upgrade to a newer Python version.

Thanks.