MFC or Windows API

aresashura · 11-30-2001, 02:34 PM

I was reading some web page talking about MFC and Windows API saying that MFC isn't the way to go. It is restricting and you can't do as many things with it. I was wondering your opinion on views on MFC and Windows API. Thanks for you help. Really appreciated.

**Fordy** · 11-30-2001, 03:06 PM

There are loads of previous threads on this....nevermind....

WinAPI is the natural starter........you learn more cuz your forced to do more.....there arent many shortcuts......

MFC is better for fast turnaround and offers a level of abstraction from the WinAPI......You can pump out a MDI or Database app pretty quickly without the laborious coding needed each time......The downside is that you can get unstuck if you dont have experience of the WinAPI

Start with WinAPI (Get Petzold) then if you wish to go on, start MFC

Garfield · 11-30-2001, 09:58 PM

Okay summed up:

API:
-has a broader scope and flexibility
-"no short-cuts"

MFC:
-faster coding
-shorter range and much less flexible than the API

Feel free to add to this list.

--Garfield

dirkduck · 11-30-2001, 11:13 PM

MFC:
-faster coding
-shorter range and much less flexible than the API
-slower

Garfield · 12-01-2001, 08:09 AM

>> -slower <<

Yes! Big. Very BIG!!! Program for optimization.

--Garfield

aresashura · 12-01-2001, 10:00 PM

Well I just got my Learning Visual Studio 6.0 in 21 days books and it works with MFC I noticed. I am also getting a MFC book in the mail pretty soon so sounds like I am starting with MFC. Do you think I will be able to switch over to Windows API after doing MFC will I unlock some of the things I couldn't do with MFC? Well thanks for all your answers.

Ryan

Garfield · 12-01-2001, 10:03 PM

>> Do you think I will be able to switch over to Windows API after doing MFC <<

It would be harder than going from API to MFC. But, it's possible.

aresashura · 12-01-2001, 10:21 PM

yeah but API is already harder from what I hear so yeah it will be harder to go from MFC to API also if a program uses MFC42.dll does that mean it was built with mfc cause I noticed ICQ uses it.

Ryan

11-30-2001, 02:34 PM	#1
aresashura Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 66	MFC or Windows API I was reading some web page talking about MFC and Windows API saying that MFC isn't the way to go. It is restricting and you can't do as many things with it. I was wondering your opinion on views on MFC and Windows API. Thanks for you help. Really appreciated.
aresashura is offline

11-30-2001, 03:06 PM	#2
Fordy &TH of undefined behavior Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 5,183	There are loads of previous threads on this....nevermind.... WinAPI is the natural starter........you learn more cuz your forced to do more.....there arent many shortcuts...... MFC is better for fast turnaround and offers a level of abstraction from the WinAPI......You can pump out a MDI or Database app pretty quickly without the laborious coding needed each time......The downside is that you can get unstuck if you dont have experience of the WinAPI Start with WinAPI (Get Petzold) then if you wish to go on, start MFC __________________ "If A is success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut." Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955) Board Rules
Fordy is offline

11-30-2001, 09:58 PM	#3
Garfield the Corvetter Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 1,584	Okay summed up: API: -has a broader scope and flexibility -"no short-cuts" MFC: -faster coding -shorter range and much less flexible than the API Feel free to add to this list. --Garfield __________________ 1978 Silver Anniversary Corvette
Garfield is offline

11-30-2001, 11:13 PM	#4
dirkduck Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 428	MFC: -faster coding -shorter range and much less flexible than the API -slower
dirkduck is offline

12-01-2001, 08:09 AM	#5
Garfield the Corvetter Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 1,584	>> -slower << Yes! Big. Very BIG!!! Program for optimization. --Garfield __________________ 1978 Silver Anniversary Corvette
Garfield is offline

12-01-2001, 10:00 PM	#6
aresashura Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 66	Well I just got my Learning Visual Studio 6.0 in 21 days books and it works with MFC I noticed. I am also getting a MFC book in the mail pretty soon so sounds like I am starting with MFC. Do you think I will be able to switch over to Windows API after doing MFC will I unlock some of the things I couldn't do with MFC? Well thanks for all your answers. Ryan
aresashura is offline

12-01-2001, 10:03 PM	#7
Garfield the Corvetter Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 1,584	>> Do you think I will be able to switch over to Windows API after doing MFC << It would be harder than going from API to MFC. But, it's possible. __________________ 1978 Silver Anniversary Corvette
Garfield is offline

12-01-2001, 10:21 PM	#8
aresashura Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 66	yeah but API is already harder from what I hear so yeah it will be harder to go from MFC to API also if a program uses MFC42.dll does that mean it was built with mfc cause I noticed ICQ uses it. Ryan
aresashura is offline

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