# External function calls?

**URL:** <https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/external-function-calls/86627>\
**Category:** Ruby\
**Created:** [February 23, 2007, 9:51pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/external-function-calls/86627 "2007-02-23T21:51:56Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![kyle\_s](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/f6c823/32.png) [@kyle\_s](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/kyle_s)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2007, 9:51pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/external-function-calls/86627/1 "2007-02-23T21:51:56Z")

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Hey all,  
is there a generic way to make external function from ruby?  
I know I can write specific c code as a ruby module and use it, and I  
know I can use that inline-c stuff, but what I want is a way to use  
existing c or c++ libraries without having to write wrappers. I know  
in windows I can make winole objects and play with them, but what  
about on linux/bsd/osx/whatever?

Thanks,  
Kyle

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![kyle\_s](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/f6c823/32.png) [@kyle\_s](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/kyle_s)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2007, 10:31pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/external-function-calls/86627/2 "2007-02-23T22:31:06Z")

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On 2/23/07, Kyle S. [removed\_email\_address@domain.invalid](mailto:removed_email_address@domain.invalid) wrote:

> Hey all,  
> is there a generic way to make external function from ruby?  
> I know I can write specific c code as a ruby module and use it, and I  
> know I can use that inline-c stuff, but what I want is a way to use  
> existing c or c++ libraries without having to write wrappers. I know  
> in windows I can make winole objects and play with them, but what  
> about on linux/bsd/osx/whatever?
> 
> Thanks,  
> Kyle

try DL, it seems available on my Ubuntu.