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Im learning how to write win32 applications right now and Im wondering what I need to do in order to provide updates for my program.
For example....I make a program that connects to a server and does something. Say something in that program needs to change though because the server has changed the way it handles things, or say theres just a bug fix or an added feature. What do I have to make in order to make this happen. Thanks
Sockets API, WinSock API
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/de..._functions.asp
>>> Im learning how to write win32 applications
I should do that first. There are ways of modifying programs behaviour, but none of them are really beginner material.
For very simple applications probably the easiest way is to have all the functionality in one or more .dll's and should a change be needed, swap the .dll. This will only work for simple app's and .dll's and only then if you are careful.
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src: Socket programming will help him write his initial program, but won't help him change what it does later, which is, I believe, what he is asking.
If you were referring to a program that automatically downloads patches from a web server, Winsock would be the way to go. The HTTP-based online patcher source code in the downloads section of odin's Ninjas.dk site might be helpful.
My question is more of how to create patches and how to design the program to accept patches. I realize this is more advanced but its just something Im looking into for the long run of what I want to start learning. I'm thinking of buying a book on win32 applications but theres many books that Im looking at buying right now. Not sure what order they'll all fall in.
Look for the 5th edition of Charles Petzolds book "Programming Windows", usually quoted as the definitive work. It does assume you are using a Microsoft compiler though, some of the examples don't work if you use Borland etc. Herbert Schildts "proogramming Windows NT4 from the Ground Up" is a little more neutral.
Both books are starting to get out of date again.