4. How to start

After all this theory you might feel like doing something practical now or at least to have a look at some real code. So how do we start with a windows program? Actually there are two different approaches.

In fact almost every windows program features at least one dialogue box and so you need the knowledge of approach two anyway. And vice versa if you want to extend your dialogues with say you own custom controls you need the knowledge of approach one. In fact a complex windows program is always a mixture of both techniques. However I reckon that even many people with Windows programming experience are not aware of the fact, that almost every application can be completely based on a dialogue box, simply because it is not in the books.


So how far do we get with say 200 lines of code?

200 lines of code is not much and you'll be surprised how far you'll get. The next two chapters give you an outline for a windows program based on each of the two approaches. You don't have to understand both approaches straight away. See which one you prefer and try to modify and extend it a little bit. You can always come back to the other approach later. Finally in chapter seven I will then give you some ideas on how to build on the knowledge you have acquired by giving you a free choice on where to go next.

Your choice:

  • Chapter 5: Paint Counter: A windows program outline
    Based on approach 1, this example shows you create a simple windows program that counts paint messages of a window.

  • Chapter 6: Sort it out: A dialogue based windows program
    Based on approach 2, this sample application allows to add names to a list and sort it.

  • Chapter 7: How do I do...
    The "how do I do" page gives you hints and clues on how you can you extend your programs and where to get further information from.



  • Go back to previous chapter