Learning Dos and learning Windows

Okay, I want to know, what are the limitations to programming in DOS? I want to eventually reach programming in windows, but is that THAT much different than programming in DOS (aside from the fact that you don't have to meddle with extra source code). I mean, can you just use "cout" in a window? Can I just make pong in DOS? Will it be totally different if I use windows? And can I just use the Win32 API or is that becoming outdated since 64 bit computing is around?

Sorry, really didn't want to put 20 questions in here, but I just had to. Thanks in advance.

Define DOS. DOS as in Disc Operating System or DOS in a DOS Window in Windows?

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Originally Posted by prog-bman

Define DOS. DOS as in Disc Operating System or DOS in a DOS Window in Windows?

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The second one.

programming in windows is a little bit different than programming in DOS. conceptually, your programming will involve the use of event models that will respond to mostly user actions on your window. windows issues a message, for example, let's say a WM_SIZE message or a WM_LBUTTONDOWN message or a WM_KEYDOWN message.. your program should respond appropriately.

i don't think the win32 api will be outdated, only improved. currently, the api is backwards compatible to at least windows 3.1.

DOS has many limitations, no GUI cant display pictures, and only 8 colors to work with. Windows Programming is much different than DOS, and the biggest difference is event-driven programming. In dos you know whats going to happen through out the life spawn of the program but in Windows there are many things that can go differently. And no you can't use cout in Windows, there are functions that will output the text, just like cout. Idk but im pretty sure you cant make pong in DOS, not with windows either, youll need OpenGL, DirectX or other Graphical library. Windows APIs are constantly updated as new version of Windows come out, it is not outdate and wont be outdated for a long time, but there is other alternatives to Win32 API, like MFC for example.

Also...let me tell you my specs:

P3 866
ATI RADEON 7200
384 MB RAM

Will that be okay to program on the newest version of OpenGL/DirectX ? I doubt it...but I'm not going to do any 3d programming at all until at least 2 years of programming, and I'm saving for a computer (gonna be a bagboy at Albertsons <G>). Functions remain constant even if it's 2D right? BTW I want to use OpenGL for graphics and DirectX for everything else.

When should I learn windows functions? I mean, after learning all those functions in C++ DOS will it be all that different?

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I want to eventually reach programming in windows, but is that THAT much different than programming in DOS

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Yes, it's totally different and "windows programming" is very complex. The first time you try to learn windows programming, you'll probably decide to become an artist instead.

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Originally Posted by 7stud

Yes, it's totally different and "windows programming" is very complex. The first time you try to learn windows programming, you'll probably decide to become an artist instead.

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Thanks for the advice oh noble idle. Hahaha jk.

When I see some programming of the windows it's not even in friggin english. Do you just get used to it? How long does it take?

You'll get used to it after seeing and understanding it. I have just come back to c++ after using C# for many months, and I also just started using the win32 api along with direct x 9.0c.

It can take some time to get used to, but once you are, it get easier.