title: Convert .a file into .lib file for C/C++ project
body: <p>I have got a question. In my quest to add external packages to my C/C++ project, i read differents topics about how to convert static library (.a) into static library (.lib). I downloaded packages and i wanted to add them manually using their pathway.</p>
  <p>I added my packages as followed:</p>
  <p>1 / Add the path of the headers in the compiler directories for the project:</p>
  <p>-&gt; Project / Properties menu</p>
  <p>-&gt; On the left tree, choose Configuration properties - C / C ++ - General</p>
  <p>-&gt; On the right table, the first line &quot;Other Include directories&quot;: add the directory (s) of your library containing the headers</p>
  <p>2 / Add the path of the .lib in the compiler directories for the project:</p>
  <p>-&gt; Project / Properties menu</p>
  <p>-&gt; On the left tree, choose Configuration Properties - Link Editor - General</p>
  <p>-&gt; On the right table, the line &quot;Directory of additional libraries&quot;: add the directory (s) of your library containing the .libs</p>
  <p>3 / Specify the libraries with which your project is linked:</p>
  <p>-&gt; Project / Properties menu</p>
  <p>-&gt; On the left tree, choose Configuration Properties - Link Editor - Enter</p>
  <p>-&gt; On the right table, the first line &quot;Additional dependencies&quot;: add the .lib library (s) with which your project must be linked</p>
  <p>But I looked for .lib files to add to my linker input instead, I found .a files and .dll files and I didn't know what to do. . a files and .lib files are almost identical. It seems like .a files are used under linux while .lib are used under windows. I tried to add the .a files unsuccesfilly. I wondered if I could convert an .a file into a .lib file.
  Can i convert a static library (.a) into a static library (.lib).</p>
  <p>Thanks</p>