SetTime
by Pete Pinter

Calgary, Alberta, Canada
(updated 96/7/25)

SetTime is a simple Time Protocol (RFC868) client, written to demonstrate:

For newbies looking to get into Windows programming with Visual C++, the learning curve is steep. Not only do you have to wrestle with the new object oriented syntax and 'paradigm' of C++, but the Windows API as encapsulated in MFC as well.

In my case, I found existing literature on the subject to be essentially useless, with one exception. The excellent Visual C++: Developing Professional Applications in Windows 95 and NT Using MFC by Marshall Brain and Lance Lovette.

With this example oriented textbook under your belt, you can look forward to the day when the Visual C++ Tutorial that came with the compiler will almost make sense. As such, SetTime borrows shamelessly from the style and content presented within the books pages.

SetTime is the result of my need to have a useful application to force me up the learning curve. It's most salient benefit is that it implements a complete program in one, readable source code file, namely SetTime.cpp. This program is deliberately more of a tutorial, rather than yet another Time Synchronizer.

Another goal was to use the Visual C++ Integrated Development Environment *without* the Appwizard and Classwizard code generators. This allows me to demonstrate basic concepts without the boatload of implementation and header files typical of AppWizard projects.

By walking through SetTime and referencing Brain & Lovette's textbook as well as VC++'s on-line documentation, you will build an awareness of how a minimal Windows program is built, with enough features to form an effective underpinning for further study.

Incidentally, you can use it to keep your system clock (or your wristwatch) in step with the rhythms of the universe, while learning valuable and marketable skills in a burgeoning area of the computer industry. It's no exaggeration that programmers who can craft Internet aware apps will always be in demand.

So stay tuned, and in the meantime, please feel free to forward questions or comments about the methods employed within SetTime to pinter@p-squared.com.

SetTime Source Code kit

SetTime is Bearware. That is: free. All I ask is that you drop a Postcard in my Guestbook with your Name and the City you are connecting from, strictly so I can see how far from bear country SetTime has wandered.

Download the current ZIP File

In closing, I'd like to thank everyone for all the positive Email and Guestbook comments. I'm gratified that so many people throughout the world have used SetTime as a basis for further study in VC++, MFC and WinSock programming. Between us all, we'll figure this stuff out...

Best regards,

/P2


Revision History:

96/07/25:

96/07/12:

96/05/30: