A DYLIB file is a dynamically linked library used primarily on macOS operating systems. It's analogous to a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) on Windows or a shared object (.so) file on Linux. DYLIB files contain code and data that can be used by multiple programs simultaneously. This allows for code reuse and reduces the overall size of applications, as common functions are stored in a single location and loaded into memory only when needed. When an application starts, the operating system loads the necessary DYLIB files and resolves any dependencies. This dynamic linking process allows for updates and bug fixes to be applied to libraries without requiring recompilation of the applications that use them. DYLIB files are a crucial part of the macOS system architecture, enabling modularity and efficient resource management. They are typically located in system directories and are managed by the operating system's dynamic linker.