big leap

Hello. I am just learning the basics of the win32 API at the moment and I realise that I need to actually create a functioning app before I can get the real gist of it. I have written a simple Tic Tac Toe game in C++ (Console) and I was wondering if anyone has some tips on which cases handle things the best.

My plan is to have 9 child windows populating the top level window and they respond to the user clicking on them. I am just concerned with what to do with all these clicks!
I have a vague idea that the parent will get sent a message from the kids and I need to tell the 'engine' (LOL) everytime parent gets one of these.

I am thinking that the 'engine' will live in the WM_COMMAND case and may send messages to a sub switch of WM_CREATE, for displaying wins and so fourth, but I would like some expert advice on whether I am heading down the right path or not. Any pointers would be much appreciated.

PS I think win32 programming will be great fun!

It would be simpler if you drew the tic-tac-toe board on the main window, instead of using nine child windows:

To make the code easier to maintain, break the code into functions.

Code:

#define SQUARE_BLANK 0
#define SQUARE_X 1
#define SQUARE_O 2

void DrawSquare(HDC hdc, int x, int y, int square){
 switch(square){
  case SQUARE_BLANK:
   // draw a blank square
   break;
  case SQUARE_X:
   // draw an X
   break;
  case SQUARE_O:
   // draw an O
   break; 
 }
}

// in the window procedure 
// mouse click handler
case WM_LBUTTONDOWN:{
 POINT pt;
 int x,y;
 GetCursorPos(&pt);
 x=GetClickedColumn(hwnd,&pt); // app-defined function
 y=GetClickedRow(hwnd,&pt); // app-defined function
 squares[x][y]=CurrentSquareType;
 // app-defined function - returns X, O, or BLANK
 CurrentSquareType=GetNextSquare(CurrentSquareType);
 break;
}
// drawing handler
case WM_PAINT:{
 HDC hdc;
 PAINTSTRUCT ps;
 int i,j;
 hdc=BeginPaint(hwnd,&ps);
 for(i=0;i<3;i++){
  for(j=0;j<3;j++){
   DrawSquare(hdc,i,j,squares[i][j]);
  }
 }
 EndPaint(hwnd,&ps); 
 break;
}

Something like this to get you started. You shouldn't send or post a WM_CREATE message to the window after its creation.

WM_COMMAND messages are usually processed through notifications by menus and standard Windows controls. Since this program is to be kept as simple as possible, no WM_COMMAND processing is necessary, unless you want to add a menu.

To exit the program, process the WM_CLOSE message by calling PostQuitMessage:

Code:

case WM_CLOSE:
 PostQuitMessage(0);
 break;

As poccil says nine windows is a bit much.

I would use an array of 9 RECT structs for the indvidual squares

Then you can use a loop and the

PtInRect() function with the mouse click coods on a WM_LBUTTONDOWN msg.

Something like this

Code:

case WM_LBUTTONDOWN:
POINTSTOPOINT(ptsClient,MAKEPOINTS(lParam));
CopyMemory(&ptsScreen,&ptsClient,sizeof(POINT));
GetWindowRect(hWnd,&rScreenRect);
ClientToScreen(hWnd,&ptsScreen);
if(!PtInRect(&rScreenRect,ptsScreen))//is not in main window
    break;
for(i=0;i<9;i++)
{ 
     if(PtInRect(&rBoardRect[i],ptsClient))
     {  
   //this square was clicked

Thanks very much fellas! I think with your advice I can really start playing around with this program. And I think this one incorporates enough to submerge me into the world of win32 and get thinking the right way. Once again thanks.