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Programming Language for Windows API

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Original Message
Name: freestyler
Date: July 24, 2002 at 07:24:59 Pacific
Subject: Programming Language for Windows API
Comment:


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)


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Response Number 1
Name: Tom
Date: July 24, 2002 at 09:59:12 Pacific
Reply: (edit)

> 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.


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Response Number 2
Name: Subbu
Date: July 24, 2002 at 10:11:59 Pacific
Reply: (edit)

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...



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Response Number 3
Name: Jim
Date: July 24, 2002 at 11:47:08 Pacific
Reply: (edit)

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.


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Response Number 4
Name: scrappy
Date: July 24, 2002 at 12:44:50 Pacific
Reply: (edit)

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


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Response Number 5
Name: Jeff J
Date: July 24, 2002 at 14:24:04 Pacific
Reply: (edit)

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


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Response Number 6
Name: freestyler
Date: July 24, 2002 at 14:54:41 Pacific
Reply: (edit)

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 !


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Response Number 7
Name: Jeremy Gordon
Date: July 26, 2002 at 14:53:43 Pacific
Reply: (edit)

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


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