Hi, I have been learning C++ for about a month now and haveing difficulties with it. Programming in DOS is really easy, but my main aim was to Program in Windows. What I really want to know is:

What is the best language to program in Windows? (you know, the easiest )

I dont want to be reading lots and lots of books for ages, I just want to be able to create programs in windows.

Thanks

ps Refering: (Windows == Windows API)

> What is the best language to program in
> Windows? (you know, the easiest )

Hmm... Best and easiest aren't quite the same. I think the easiest would be Visual Basic, but I've never used it. The best (as in more control) is C++.

> I dont want to be reading lots and lots
> of books for ages, I just want to be able
> to create programs in windows.

Well, I think after reading one good book, and making sure you understand everything the book explains, you should know enough to start Windows API programming.

Yes...VB is the easiest of the lot....maybe u'd like to give a shot at Visual C++ too...but i suggest for VC++ u use a book...VC++ can be pretty useful when it comes to advanced windows api programming...

Borland Builder has been easiest for me, by far. The APIs were written for C. Trying to interface them with VB is like jumping through your nose a lot of times. Besides reading the API documentation, you have to figure out how to translate the C parameters to VB language so you can use them. A lot of times there are structures involved. Figuring out how to do C style structures in VB is a major pain.

If you've never actually written a program in Borland Builder that does Windows API calls, do it. There's a good chance you'll never go back.

You can use MFC (microsoft foundation classes) to make programs in windows. The coding is fairly easy if you have a base in c++.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/vcmfc98/html/mfchm.asp

I have to agree with all of the above, and since you've already started with C++, I definitely recommend you not switch now. Stick with it. Windows was written in C, so you have by far the most control in C/C++. I agree that C++Builder is super, even though I have to make my living with VC++. However, I guess it will largely depend on what tools you have available.

If you have access to VC++, the most popular C++ dev environment, the MFC will be the easiest way to do Windows. Please keep in mind that Micro$oft is gradually moving it towards ATL and WTL (templates and better performance), so try to use those as much as possible, to get a leg up.

I suspect one of your biggest frustrations might be moving from standard C/C++ tutorials (well suited to DOS), to full Windows programming. Few people today do straight Petzold-style Windows (native Win32 API in C, as popularised by Charles Petzold), but rather C++ class wrappers. They're much more convenient (VCL for Borland, MFC/ATL/WTL for Micro$oft). Best of all, you can mix them for unsurpassed power. There's a bit of a learning curve, but as you can tell, I'm trying to sway you from the seduction of convenience languages like VB and C#. You really can get up and running in little time.

Hang in there, and please post any specific questions you may have along the way. We enjoy it a lot more than people begging to solve homework problems!

Cheers

So I should stay with C++ ?

I like C++ and have done from the first time I saw it. I have created many small programs in DOS, but they are just too boring, and want to more towards Windows Programming.

So what now?:

I think I'll stay with C++, Get a good from my local Library, and take it from there...

cheers for you advise guys !

I like to use assembler. Although it is a low-level language it is very easy to use in 32 bits (no segments!) and it fits in well with Windows which can be regarded as a very high level language. There are all sorts of free tools available these days - you could start on my site www.GoDevTool.com