win32 api

What do you needs to know before one would start win32 api? I know some c++ stuff but do not know where to go from here. any response would be great.

Well the windows programming forum is a start ;)

and if you want to get into MFC a book called : programming windows with MFC second edition by Jeff Prosise, is prolly the best book you can find...

as for win32 api code cracks, you can basically search for tutorials through any search engine, but i suggest buying a book...

I also suggest learning MFC over straight win api cracks...
(the word cracks is not the conventional meaning, its what MFC coders commonly call non MFC win32 API coders)

I disagree with Liam. You are better off learning straight Win32 API calls first. Coz then you can control everything yourself if you need to.

There are pitfalls in MFC that require you to be able to use the API directly in order to do what you need to do.... so rather than using MFC, why not learn to use the API yourself! You'll probably be better off!

sorry I did not realize I was posting to the wrong folder.
thanks for your help.

What do you needs to know before you start win32 api? I know some c++ stuff but do not know where to go from here. any response would be great.

How to read the manual.

How to research things you want to know.

Try one for 'Petzold' (who wrote the WIN32 'bible', "Programming Windows")

I've merged your two threads for you.

I also believe you should learn the raw API before beginning to use a class library like MFC or VCL. Look for Petzold or Schildts books, and there are links to some tutorials in the FAQ.

adrianxw, how do I gauge if I am ready for api or not? I als was looking into microsofts msdn. what do you think about that? The big ms has a book tiltled "Desktop Applications with Microsoft® Visual C++® 6.0 MCSD Training Kit". If you get a chance to look at that book could you tell me how much c++ I need to knwo before picking up one of these books. I will also look into the books you rcommended. this will probably not be the last time yo guys here from me. Thanks!

Get the bible aka Programming Windows 5th edition and learn the Win 32 api first. Then from there take your direction.

As for how much do you need to know:

using
C++ in 21 days as a refrence I read up to chapter 11 with full understanding and a little bit of 12 with slight understanding before trying out the win 32 api and had no problems.

I have taken one vc++ class for schoola nd we covered most of that. So I will asume I am ready based on what you said. I just did not want to buy a new book and struggle to a point where it is not feasable to understand. I have read sevral good replies on the programming windows 5th edition from petzold. It looks like that will be the book to buy. Thanks for your input.

Well if you can't understand it at first put it aside for a latter date and go back to more basic stuff. Some of this stuff is quite odd one day you will read some information and understand nothing and then a couple of weeks latter you can read the same code and it comes right to you.

Just curious, is this book to old? Also, will the sample code in the book compile on win2k?

>Just curious, is this book to old? Also, will the sample code in the book compile on win2k?<

Nope not at all the API has only undergoe a few (if any) changes. since it's introduction. The one thing you will have to watch out for is a few diffences between the NT/2000/XP line and the 9x/Me line of windows.

He'll be an API newbie, i can't see him writing any windows code any time soon where he'll have to watch out for differences in the different versions of windows.. he doesn't even have the basics yet!

mikeghet: get the book, start reading and start coding. when you have problems, post again.

U.