Thread: How can I create a window application instead of a console one?

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    Registered User paok's Avatar
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    How can I create a window application instead of a console one?

    Hi! I'd like to ask you if there is any way to "convert" a console application to a window one. I use Dev C++, and I see that there is an option for window application, but I don't know how to use the window.h! Is there any tutorial? I want to build a window application which looks like the attached image. Each of the selection that the user makes will be stored in a variable which will be used by the program!

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    Jack of many languages Dino's Avatar
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    Kernel hacker
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    GUI programming is a big step up from console applications.

    I'm sure there are few sites that describe it.

    In your case, you need a dialog box with a few radio buttons and a text entry field.

    Here's one tutorial:
    http://www.functionx.com/win32/Lesson01.htm

    --
    Mats
    Last edited by matsp; 11-29-2007 at 11:04 AM.
    Compilers can produce warnings - make the compiler programmers happy: Use them!
    Please don't PM me for help - and no, I don't do help over instant messengers.

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    I'm pretty new in C. Wich is the best visual editor to get this done?. It's just a lot of code to write. Thanks!.

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    Jack of many languages Dino's Avatar
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    VC++ is free for the downloading. If you want to write Windows apps, it's a good choice.

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    C++まいる!Cをこわせ!
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    Visual Studio Express is usually recommended by many.

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    This site is a good entry point to windows programming


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    Beautiful to C Aia's Avatar
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    Here. Knock yourself out!

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    Deathray Engineer MacGyver's Avatar
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    In general, if you're brand new to C and are not experienced with pointers (including function pointers), structs, functions, memory management, and strings, don't do GUI programming just yet. Stick with console programming until you get good with the language.

    This should be a warning somewhere.

  10. #10
    Registered User paok's Avatar
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    I've read some things about window programming, but I don't understand....!! My code is written in c. Window Programming is something different? Is it like another programming language? Can I use my c code, doing some changes, or I have to write all the code using another language? Is there any way just put a user interfcace in the c code?
    You may think that I'm asking stupid questions.....sorry, I haven't understood....!

  11. #11
    C++まいる!Cをこわせ!
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    No, it's not a different language. But it's more than just pure "C."
    Maybe someone else can explain better, I don't have time.
    Quote Originally Posted by Adak View Post
    io.h certainly IS included in some modern compilers. It is no longer part of the standard for C, but it is nevertheless, included in the very latest Pelles C versions.
    Quote Originally Posted by Salem View Post
    You mean it's included as a crutch to help ancient programmers limp along without them having to relearn too much.

    Outside of your DOS world, your header file is meaningless.

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    Registered User ssharish2005's Avatar
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    Well i don't really program windows, but what i understand is that, if you wanted to do a windows programming there are many API which does that for you. You will have to clearly understand the functioning of those API's and see what parameters need to be sent and all those calculation. More over windows API function names are like so crazy its very hard for me remember. But MSDN would be a good friend for you. As other said , if u are new to C, i would rather suggest to start programming with console get familiarized and then get started with windows.

    ssharish

  13. #13
    C++まいる!Cをこわせ!
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    The thing is, with dos prompts, there isn't much you really have to do or understand. Much other than some basic functions for I/O and the language itself.
    When it comes to windows programming, it's like an entirely different world. Not only must you know the language, but you must also know the OS, what to do and what not to do. Creating a simple thing such as a window is no trivial task. Messages are no trivial task, you have to have such a thing as message pump and respond to messages. You may have to worry about how threads work, and so on.
    This is where the difficulty lies. And even if you think you do right (this applies especially to multi-threading), you aren't most of the time. You have to learn by trial and error.
    Quote Originally Posted by Adak View Post
    io.h certainly IS included in some modern compilers. It is no longer part of the standard for C, but it is nevertheless, included in the very latest Pelles C versions.
    Quote Originally Posted by Salem View Post
    You mean it's included as a crutch to help ancient programmers limp along without them having to relearn too much.

    Outside of your DOS world, your header file is meaningless.

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