How to work with a .LIB in C++ (IDE:Visual Studio 6)

[Arkanops]

Hi all, I'm again here to ask help or informations!
I have to create a wrapper for a .lib using Visual Studio 6.
I have to do this cause the source of the lib use templates and Visual Studio 6 isn't able to manage them, and I can't use another IDE.

Here the questions:
1) I have the library created in Visual studio 2005, I haven't documentation about it, so what can I do?
2) How can I create a wrapper in C++ for it using Visual Studio 6? (the most important passes)
3) If I'll find the source, I have to read/study it to be able to create the wrapper?
4) In my C++ wrapper, I have to create methods that have the same names of the methods library?
i.e.:
in the library I have: GetImages(int x, int y);
if i want to use this method in my C++ wrapper, have to call: .....->GetImages(x,y);

[jonnin]

-you can use the tools from visual 6 to get the info about the lib -- specifically dumpbin can tell you what is in the file to create a .h file

-It may be impossible to link a 2005 into a 6.0 due to formatting issues (I dont know!) or even because if 6.0 cannot handle templates you cannot reference the lib properly

-with the source it will be easier

- actually I think you can rename them if you use raw hex jump points, but this is harder, do not do it... use the original names.

all I can say is try it and see. If you have 2005 perhaps make a single function simple lib file and try to call it in 6.0 and see if it is even possible before you go deep down a path that cannot be.

[Arkanops]

It may be impossible to link a 2005 into a 6.0 due to formatting issues (I dont know!) or even because if 6.0 cannot handle templates you cannot reference the lib properly

I'll try and I'll tell here ;)

[Arkanops]

Sorry again for this question:
but HOW can I use the library??

For example I open the project properties and in the "Linking" tab (or where??) I have to add: mylib.lib!
We assume that in this .lib I have a method called: isFlat();

What do I have to write in my .cpp file to use that method??

[jonnin]

you add the .lib to the project and the associated .h as well (or # include it or both).
Then, if it links up, you just call the functions. (thats how in .net, some compilers make this an ordeal)

you can also do it with a pragma comand or something but that is ugly and hard to find in the code.

[Arkanops]

I asked a wrong question, sorry!!
I have the source of .lib (now) but Visual Studio 6 can't manage it, because it has some problems to work with some templates.
I have to create a .h for that .lib, so both will be included in another project and can be used by the users.
Is it possible? How can I create the .h?

[jonnin]

the same .h that is in the source of the lib should work with the compiled lib file. If visual cannot process this file, I do not know how to tell you to create a working one.