WIN32 and Console App

[StealthOp1217]

im pretty new to C++ and programming in general. I would like to know what is the difference between Win32 App and Console APP. When i look at them it seems like the code in both of them are completely different. I really want to get into the win32 stuff because it seems like you can do more. Can some one please tell me the differenc and give me the link to some good tutorials. o, and one more thing. i found a really cool looking tutorial but you have to use directx. I downloaded it from the website but i dont know how to get the complieler to recogniz it . I have visual studios 2008 express edition.

[Bazzy]

A Console Application is a program running on the command line, a Win32 Application is any application using windows.h (usually Win32 API is used in order to have a TUI or a GUI).


To compile DirectX on VC++:

Tools > Options > Projects and Solutions > VC++ Directories

Select "Include Files" from the combo box under "Show directories for:"
and add the include directory for DirectX (eg: C:\Program Files\Microsoft DirectX SDK\Include).
Then select "Library files" and add the library directory (eg: C:\Program Files\Microsoft DirectX SDK\Lib\x86)

[Mal Reynolds]

the win32 api is amazing, but takes a bit of dedication and lots of time to learn how to use it properly. if you are comfortable making normal console apps, i would suggest theForgersWin32 api tutorial ( http://www.winprog.org/tutorial/ ). it describes the basics of how real Windows applications work. To really learn how to program in windows however, i would suggest a good book. Petzold's "Programming Windows" has become somewhat the bible of windows programming. the online MSDN library is also an invaluable resource for api programming. until you have a fairly firm understanding of the windows environment and are comfortable with the api, i wouldn't suggest DirectX, as it is much more involved and complex. hope this helps!