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Start Using Visual C++

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dbsquared

Programmer
Nov 7, 2002
175
US
I am moving from the old Borland C++ and have decided to try VC++. i am having trouble figuring out what all the different types of projects are and how they function. I tried the 32 Bit application to start and I get errors for not handling the 32 bit threads. What is the best place for me to start to learn the IDE?
 
If you want to make a simple program, just to begin to get a handle on msvcpp, then:

1) open it up :p
2) File->New->(Files tab)->cpp source file
3) enter in a file name and location, click ok
4) type up a simple program :p
5) Build->build (there is also a button that'll do as well)
6) it'll ask you about creating a workspace, click yes
7) it'll ask you about saving changes, click yes
8) build->execute (there is a button that will do this also)

now atleast you have something to play around on to learn some options and features and whatnot. A couple of notes..the 'project' you click yes create makes a lot of files, I advise you to create a folder before you start this process and choose that as you location in step 3 so you dont trash some directory.
 
Here's a quick run down on the usual projects you may create:

MFC AppWizard(exe)
This kind of project is the one you'd usually choose to create a full-blown all-singing-all-dancing Windows program with dialogs, windows, documents and the kitchen sink.
It is MFC based so you would usually be using the [far easier to use than old API] MFC classes to make your app roll-over and do tricks!

MFC AppWizard(dll)
The DLL version fo the above. You'll get two choices: a regular DLL or an extension DLL. If you want an extension DLL then it'll be plain sailing. Also MFC based.

Win32 Application
If you like to build your programs the hard way then this is for you. You get a WinMain function to start with and little else to go on. Expect to do all the leg work yourself with little help from MFC. Hope your API knowledge is up-to-scratch!

Win32 Console App
If you like DOS programs then this is for you. You have a couple of options to choose from including MFC support (GASP!).

Win32 Dynamic Library
The DLL version of Win32 Application

Win32 Static Library
One of my favorites! Stuff your most-used classes in these little beauties and keep them for prosperity all locked away in their own little .LIB file. When the need arises in some project or another, just add it to your project (along with the header file of course!) and your code compiles in record time and you don't have a great big long list of classes in your class view window!!

[lightsaber]
tellis.gif

programmer (prog'ram'er), n A hot-headed, anorak wearing, pimple-faced computer geek.
 
If you're into books, you can try buying "Sams Teach Yourself Visual C++ 6.0 (or .NET) in 24 Hours." That series helped me a lot to get around the IDE as well as offering some introduction into Win32 Programming.
 
Yes me too... and also the Visual C++ Bible is a great book which covers almost everything from the absolute basics to database/activeX/internet programming. I usually buy all my programming books off ebay.com coz you can get them at a fraction of the retail cost.

[deejay]
tellis.gif

programmer (prog'ram'er), n A hot-headed, anorak wearing, pimple-faced computer geek.
 
great tips I want to thank all of you for responding and giving me great info.
Dan
 
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