A DLL (Dynamic Link Library) is a type of file that contains code and data that can be shared between different applications. DLLs are often used to provide common functionality, such as graphics or networking, to multiple applications.

The DLL version is a number that uniquely identifies a particular version of a DLL. The version number is typically made up of three parts: the major version number, the minor version number, and the build number. The major version number indicates a major change in the DLL, such as a change in the API. The minor version number indicates a minor change in the DLL, such as a bug fix. The build number is an incremental number that is incremented each time the DLL is built.

A strong name is a unique identifier that is assigned to a DLL. The strong name consists of the assembly name, the public key, and the version number. The assembly name is a human-readable name that is used to identify the DLL. The public key is a cryptographic key that is used to verify the authenticity of the DLL. The version number is the DLL version number.

Strong names are used to prevent DLL tampering and to ensure that the correct DLL is loaded by an application. When a DLL is strong-named, the common language runtime (CLR) verifies the signature of the DLL before it is loaded. If the signature is invalid, the DLL is not loaded.

The benefits of using strong names for DLLs include:

• Security: Strong names help to prevent DLL tampering.
• Compatibility: Strong names ensure that the correct DLL is loaded by an application.
• Versioning: Strong names make it easier to manage DLL versions.

The disadvantages of using strong names for DLLs include:

• Complexity: Strong names can be more complex to implement than non-strong names.
• Cost: Strong names require a public key infrastructure (PKI), which can be costly to set up and maintain.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use strong names for DLLs depends on the specific needs of the application. If security is a primary concern, then strong names are a good choice. However, if security is not a major concern, then non-strong names may be a better option.