When working with different platforms and architectures, it's common to encounter conflicts between x64 and x86 target machine types. This guide will help you understand and resolve these issues easily.
## Table of Contents
- [Understanding x64 and x86 Target Machine Types](#understanding-x64-and-x86-target-machine-types)
- [Identifying the Conflict](#identifying-the-conflict)
- [Resolving x86 Target Machine Type Issues](#resolving-x86-target-machine-type-issues)
- [Changing Project Platform](#changing-project-platform)
- [Rebuilding Libraries](#rebuilding-libraries)
- [Updating Compiler Settings](#updating-compiler-settings)
- [FAQs](#faqs)
## Understanding x64 and x86 Target Machine Types
x86 and x64 are two types of processor architectures. x86 is a 32-bit architecture, while x64 is 64-bit. The main difference between these two is the amount of memory they can address. x86 can access up to 4GB, while x64 can access more than 4GB of memory.
When developing software, it's crucial to ensure that your application and libraries are compatible with your target platform. Mixing x64 and x86 code can lead to conflicts and errors.
[Learn more about x64 and x86 architectures](https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/difference-32-bit-64-bit-windows/)
## Identifying the Conflict
One common error message you may encounter when dealing with x64 and x86 conflicts is:
LNK1112: module machine type 'X86' conflicts with target machine type 'x64'
This error indicates that you are trying to link an x86 object file or library with an x64 target application or vice versa.
## Resolving x86 Target Machine Type Issues
To resolve x86 target machine type issues, follow these steps:
### Changing Project Platform
1. Open your project in your development environment (e.g., Visual Studio).
2. Navigate to the **Solution Explorer** panel.
3. Right-click on your project and select **Properties**.
4. In the **Configuration Properties** section, select **Configuration Manager**.
5. In the **Active Solution Platform** dropdown, choose the appropriate platform (x86 or x64) for your project.
6. Click **Close** and rebuild your project.
[Visual Studio Documentation: How to configure and target platforms](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/build/how-to-configure-and-target-platforms?view=msvc-160)
### Rebuilding Libraries
If you're using third-party libraries, ensure they are compatible with your target platform. You may need to rebuild these libraries for the correct platform.
1. Download the source code for the required library.
2. Open the library's project in your development environment.
3. Follow the steps in the [Changing Project Platform](#changing-project-platform) section to set the correct platform.
4. Rebuild the library and replace the old library files in your project with the newly-built ones.
### Updating Compiler Settings
In some cases, you may need to update your compiler settings to target the correct platform.
1. Open your project in your development environment.
2. Navigate to the **Solution Explorer** panel.
3. Right-click on your project and select **Properties**.
4. In the **Configuration Properties** section, select **C/C++**.
5. Under **General**, find the **Platform Toolset** option and choose the appropriate toolset for your platform.
6. Rebuild your project.
[Visual Studio Documentation: Platform Toolsets](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/build/working-with-project-properties?view=msvc-160#platform-toolsets)
## FAQs
### 1. What does the LNK1112 error mean?
The LNK1112 error occurs when you try to link an x86 object file or library with an x64 target application or vice versa. It means there is a conflict between the module machine type and the target machine type.
### 2. How do I know if I have an x64 or x86 processor?
You can check your processor type in the System Information or System Properties window on your computer. Look for the "System type" information, which will display either "32-bit Operating System" (x86) or "64-bit Operating System" (x64).
### 3. Can I mix x86 and x64 code in my project?
No, mixing x86 and x64 code in a single project can lead to conflicts and errors. You should always ensure that your application and libraries are compatible with your target platform.
### 4. How do I rebuild a third-party library for the correct platform?
To rebuild a third-party library, download its source code, open the project in your development environment, and follow the steps in the [Changing Project Platform](#changing-project-platform) section to set the correct platform. Then, rebuild the library and replace the old library files in your project with the newly-built ones.
### 5. What is the difference between x86 and x64 architectures?
x86 is a 32-bit processor architecture, while x64 is 64-bit. The main difference between these two is the amount of memory they can address. x86 can access up to 4GB, while x64 can access more than 4GB of memory.
[Learn more about x64 and x86 architectures](https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/difference-32-bit-64-bit-windows/)