#include "myheader.h" void myFunction() { // actual implementation } If you intend the function to be local to the executable (not from a DLL), simply remove __declspec(dllimport) :
If you then define the same function (write its body) in the same source file or a linked object file, you are contradicting that directive. The compiler rightly complains because it doesn't know whether to treat the function as imported from a DLL or as a local function. Problematic code (in an executable project): a function declared dllimport may not be defined
— using the same header for both DLL and client without proper conditionals: #include "myheader
// myheader.h __declspec(dllimport) void myFunction(); // Client sees this But then the DLL's own .cpp file also includes this header and tries to define myFunction , causing the same error. 1. Use a macro to switch between dllimport and dllexport Common pattern (in a shared header): causing the same error.