Thread: Newbie Question -> Is Console programming different from Windows ?

  1. #1
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    Arrow Newbie Question -> Is Console programming different from Windows ?

    Im learning C++ and i was wondering if Console/Dos programming different from Windows Programming ?
    ------
    Ice

  2. #2
    It's full of stars adrianxw's Avatar
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    The short answer is yes.

    You would seem to be aware that a console is not DOS. Good for you, most beginners do not make any distinction.

    DOS/Console programming have similarities in that the medium upon which you output for example, is created for you, and then you can write a line of text on it for example.

    Windows are not created for you. It is up to you to build and register a window class, then create an instance of the window, then set up a message loop to retrieve, masage if necessary and dispatch messages so that eventually the call back routine that you have to write can receive the messages and do something with them.

    There are many differences, and it may sound horrible, but you get used to it quickly. If you want to program Windows OS's, learn the language first using console apps, then move on to Windows apps with the raw API, then maybe try a class library later if you want/need to. Do things in that order and you'll do fine, try to run before you can walk may confuse/disillusion you.

    Good luck.
    Wave upon wave of demented avengers march cheerfully out of obscurity unto the dream.

  3. #3
    In The Light
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    howdy,
    i have spent the last 6 months writing console apps in Borland Builder 5 and Linux gcc/emacs.
    i would like to start moving into the Windows API but i can not find any good tuts or books.
    i've written quit a few engineering calcs in console, how can they be integrated into windows or will i need to recreate them.

    M.R.

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    http://www.winprog.org/tutorial/

    But before you start get a book.
    The Win32 Api Programming Bible is a pretty good book, but its starting to get a bit old now.
    Also get this file:
    ftp://ftp.cs.virginia.edu/pub/lcc-win32/win32hlp.exe
    It is singularly the most useful resource I have ever come across.
    If you own a piece of land and there is an volcano on it and it ruins a
    nearby town, do you have to pay for the property damage?

  5. #5
    In The Light
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    howdy,
    thanks shtarker im in my linux box right now but as soon as i get back to windoze i'll open that file and study.

    M.R.

  6. #6
    It's full of stars adrianxw's Avatar
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    >>>
    how can they be integrated into windows or will i need to recreate them.
    <<<

    If you isolate the calculations in functions, then it becomes a problem of getting the necessary inputs and displaying the results. This is good basic design anyway.

    Once you have a grasp of Windows programming, you will see how to integrate your existing calculation routines.
    Wave upon wave of demented avengers march cheerfully out of obscurity unto the dream.

  7. #7
    In The Light
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    howdy,
    each calculation IS in a function however some calcs need the values from others, it was pretty simple to do in colsole so i imagine it should be easy to figure out in winows.

    itld's next stop is the book store
    The Win32 Api Programming Bible
    then the reading room (sitting on the head)
    Once you have a grasp of Windows programming,
    thanks folks

    M.R.

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