WIN32 Programming [Paperback]

Win32 Programming, by Brent E. Rector and John M. Newcomer is a massive, 1,500-page guide to Win32 C programming, something of a lost art these days. Although even the authors admit they use C++ and MFC in their own work, this text, as a one volume document of the powerful Win32 API programming, is truly comprehensive and can replace any number of texts on a programmer's bookshelf. Win32 Programming examines the basics of programming in Windows: from a minimal skeleton program to aspects of the Win32 API, from graphics, menus, user interface components (including the Windows 95 common controls) to more advanced topics like memory management, multithreaded programming, and synchronization objects. (These last topics are useful in that system programmers--or those who write device drivers--may need access to the C API directly.) In addition to presenting reference material (including all the API calls themselves), the authors explain the ideas of how to program in a clearly written style. Though some of the material feels dated (from 16-bit Windows 3.x programming), by and large, the authors do a good job of updating this to Windows 95 and Windows NT. Sections and tips that apply only to one API or operating system are clearly marked. The CD-ROM also includes over 140,000 lines of source code to experiment with, truly a historical treasure trove for the Win32 C programmer. Developers who need to use C calls, or prefer to have printed documentation instead of online help in their compiler, should consider making space on the bookshelf for this enormous title.

Windows developers- a thorough understanding of the Windows API will enable you to create applications that are elegant, efficient, and powerful.
Comprehensive and detailed-with over 140,000 lines of code included on the accompanying CD-ROM-Win32 Programming is your ultimate resource. Concentrating exclusively on 32-bit programming, it offers an in-depth look at the user interface and graphics aspects of the Windows API and demonstrates how to use the API effectively. In addition, many low-level operating system functions and facilities are covered.
You will find comprehensive information on all aspects of Windows GUI programming, such as-
Windows Controls, including the common controls
GDI, including new features like transformations and geometric pens
Printing, including a reusable print engine
Common dialogs, including customization
Background processing, including synchronization
In addition, the book covers such important advanced topics as creation of Dynamic Link Libraries, storage management, windows subclassing, the Multiple Document Interface (MDI), and threads and their synchronization.
The CD-ROM is a gold mine of useful programs, with a C template you can copy to create your own Windows applications and dozens of programs called "Explorers" written in C++/MFC that demonstrate the Windows API in action. The "Explorers" let you tweak individual parameters of the API functions and immediately see the effects.
More than just an introductory book, Win32 Programming is a reference to many of the more obscure and sometimes incomprehensible advanced features of the user interface and graphics subsystems. It is useful not only for C programmers but also for C++/MFC programmers because the API forms the basis for most MFC methods. The books extensive and comprehensive index means you will never again have to search through pages of examples to find the example of the API function you want to see. This book is designed both to teach basic Windows programming and to be a useful companion for years to come. 0201634929B04062001