The best replacement for exe is dll.

The best alternatives to exe are rated as following:
★★★★★  dll
★★★★★  msi
★★★  iso
★★★  msi installer
★★  zip
★★  jar
★  com
★  bat file
★  dmg
★  .msi difference
★  tails doll
★  activex dll
★  windows service
  exe
  zero exe
  iexplore.exe
  bin
  c windows system32 spider exe
  shadow
  activex exe
  cab
  java.exe

Your alternative for exe is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about exe, one probably shouldn't forget about app.config.

Other search terms related to exe and their ratings are:
★★★★★ app.config
jre
You have in mind a companion for exe and it is not yet here? Propose!



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exe
dll
msi