Thread: Few 'Getting Started' Questions

  1. 07-12-2002 #1
    Ikarus
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    Few 'Getting Started' Questions

    I know a fair amount of dos console c++ and want to move onto windows programming, my questions are:

    1. Almost every tut ive read is based on C, should i learn C to program for windows ?

    2. I dont quite understand the differences between win32 and MFC, the two seem to cross over and arrrrrrgh

    3. Ive got a book called 'practical visual C++ 6' http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...826066-3522441 should i stick with this or get something else ? bear in mind id like to stick with c++ if possible)

    I use msvc++6 as my compiler/ide btw, if it matters

    thx in advance
  2. 07-12-2002 #2
    Uraldor
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    1) if you know C++ then you have the ability to program windows. Dont worry about the differences with C/C++ at the moment. Just start familiarising yourself with the API.

    2) Win32 API is a collection of functions/libraries that allow you to interact with the windows operating system, and perform a variety of functions. MFC is a collection of C++ wrappers that supposedly make using the Win32 API alot better/nicer/quicker/easier. Personally, i dont like using MFC. IMHO, if you want to learn the ins and outs of windows programming, the avoid MFC and make calls to the API yourself (you have to do it alot with MFC anyway!).

    3) If you are happy with the book then stick with it. it doesn't matter what other people think. if you benefit from it, then it's worth the money.

    hope that helps!
    U.
    Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum sonatur.
    Whatever is said in Latin sounds profound.
  3. 07-13-2002 #3
    MrWizard
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    I agree with Uraldor's post but I will try and expand a little bit

    1) It is not necessary that you learn C to program windows. However, I would recommend at sometime you do learn C.

    2) See Uraldor's Post. I also don't like MFC really, I think it hides to many things from the programmer. If you insist on using MFC at least have a good foundation in straight Win32 programming first.

    3) I'm sure that book is as good or almost as good as any. Maybe when you get the basics down and you want to learn a more specific advanced topic, then get another book.

    Just my .02
  4. 07-13-2002 #4
    face_master
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    I seriously do not like MFC. Not that i've ever used it though. I've seen it, and think that it gives u less control, which is exactly was M$ wants...
  5. 07-13-2002 #5
    Traveller
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    I prefer API, however MFC is a nice set of wrapper classes for quick development of windows based apps. This anti - Microsoft attitude is really getting old.
  6. 07-13-2002 #6
    MrWizard
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    Originally posted by Traveller
    I prefer API, however MFC is a nice set of wrapper classes for quick development of windows based apps. This anti - Microsoft attitude is really getting old.
    Do note that I gave specific reasons why I did not like MFC. Also, I have experience with both of the mentioned methods. I am not just running around waving my hands screaming I'm anti-MS just because I use circular logic , or something.

    If i needed something VERY quickly then i might consider using MFC but I'd rather just use my own wrappers.
  7. 07-13-2002 #7
    Traveller
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    My response was focused towards face_master, not you MrWizard. Sorry for any confusion. I prefer using API directly myself, I'm just getting tired of the Microsoft is evil and Bill Gates is the Devil mentality.
  8. 07-13-2002 #8
    MrWizard
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    Originally posted by Traveller
    My response was focused towards face_master, not you MrWizard. Sorry for any confusion. I prefer using API directly myself, I'm just getting tired of the Microsoft is evil and Bill Gates is the Devil mentality.
    Gotcha BTW: I too am also tired of the microsoft evil stuff. You might have gotten that from my post too. I especially hate when those people are asked "why?" and they say "because"...just makes me mad.
  9. 07-13-2002 #9
    Hershlag
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    Microsoft fan here! I love windows and I appreciate MS capitalism. I am curious about linux and mess with it occasionally though. Most people who claim that MS is evil are just anti-capitalist. It's a hatred for large, successful companies. Go Bill G.
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