C++: Interoperability of Libraries Compiled by Different Compilers

Is it possible to link to libraries compiled with different compilers? I get asked this question a lot. Usually I ramble about this or that; I won't do that here. Rather, here's a nice concise answer from Rob K on stackoverflow. Quote:

• If the library is written in C++ and exposes a C++ interface: no (because the name-mangling differs between g++ and VC++).
• If the library is a static library written in C (or with an extern "C" interface): yes, but certain caveats apply.
• If the library is a DLL with a C interface: yes, but you'll have to create your own import library.

The above quote is specific to MinGW and Visual Studio, but in general the same rules apply between any two compilers. Speaking of MinGW, the Mixing Compiler page on MinGW's Wiki (and the older page here) also address this issue.

Here are more resources:

•  C++ Dynamic Library Compiling/Linking
• Interoperability of Libraries Created by Different Compiler Brands 
• C++: Dll compatibility between compilers 
• Importing a dll from a different compiler 
• Using C++ DLLs with different compiler versions 
• Can I link object files made by one compile to those made by another one? 
• Building Windows DLLs with MinGW