I can make a window... what next?

[surrealife1]

I am new to windows development, but am quite comprehensive of c++. I have read the MSDN tutorial, and a couple others, so I understand the fundamentals of creating windows programs, can make and show a window, implement COM interfaces, and respond to events and user input.

I don't know how to put anything in my windows, however, and am struggling with the Direct2D/Direct3D tutorials.

I've read more prior experience is needed for DirectX, so my question is: What do I do now? I don't know what to look for next...

[Disch]

What do I do now? I don't know what to look for next...

What kind of programs do you want to make?

Try making them. If you already know everything you need to know in order to make them, great. If not, you'll find out what you need to learn next pretty quickly.

[S G H]

Well, learn to use Buttons, Edit Boxes, Static Captions... Probabilities are infinite. It's all up to the developer to develop "his probability".

[surrealife1]

Where can I find documentation on making

Buttons, Edit Boxes, Static Captions...

? This is my question...

[S G H]

There are two main ways:
Creating Windows "On-the-fly" or from pre-defined (by you) dialogs.

Creating Windows On-The-Fly:
Pro: Can create as many additional contents as wanted, all on the run
Cons: Harder
Link: http://zetcode.com/gui/winapi/ (That's C, not really C++, but code should work without editing)

Using Resource Dialogs:
Pro: Easier, Faster.
Cons: Can only have a fixed amount of data inside, e.g. cannot add a EditBox without recompiling the executable, and Resources can be Externally Modified with programs like ResEdit or Resource Hacker, cannot find much documentation online.
Link: Can't find D:

I always use Resource Dialogs.
I suggest using ResEdit while making Resource Dialogs.

[surrealife1]

What exactly are Resource Dialogs (and Windows On-The-Fly)? What distinguishes the two?

and thank you for links, always total hilfreich!

[S G H]

Well, Resource Dialogs are Dialogs that are compiled from a "Resource Script" (a RC file), where Windows On-The-Fly are Windows created from pure C++ Code. My post above should have already answered most questions... Otherwise leave someone else posting or google a bit...

[surrealife1]

Thanks EssGeEich, I'll look all of this up and keep on going.

Your help has been great, and I actually haven't heard of RC's before. It's nice to know I have a lot to learn!

[S G H]

For RC Windows, Let me suggest you ResEdit: http://www.resedit.net/
From a Dialog Editor, it exports the two classical RC Windows Files: a RC file (the script, needs to be added to the project to be compiled) and a .h file (the Definitions, useful to find out for example which button has been pressed. It needs to be added and included into your project)

[dunmerthief]

You can find all the documentation you need on MSDN.

Controls:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/bb773169%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

Resources:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/ms632583%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

Dialogs:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa511268.aspx

[surrealife1]

Thanks all - I had no idea RC files existed until now. Thank you for links and advice! This answered my question completely

[jimobama]

I have read through this threads and i understand matter than before but i still have a little problem , "Can someone create his own textBox controls,label,tables(grids) from pure C++ " without library. Please i want to write an inventory program