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C/C++ Consulting Services Info What is C/C++? The C/ C++ language is considered by many to be the most powerful and flexible of all programming languages. C++ is flexible in that the programmer can take advantage of both high-level and low-level programming techniques. Functions, procedures, and objects provide the high-level support where appropriate. But when absolute control over the hardware or operating system is required, low-level/system-level support is available in the form of in-line assembly language and tight integration with the operating system's API. The Windows operating system was programmed in C, and the Windows API is really nothing more than a bunch of functions written in C contained in several DLL's (Dynamic Link Libraries). Windows programs are really nothing more than a series of calls to the functions contained within these DLLs. For instance, when a program displays a prompt or error message in a message-box, it does so through a call to the Windows API function MessageBox(). All of this power and control does not come for free, however. C/C++ is a moderately difficult language to learn and master. Where C/C++ really gets complicated is when using it to create Windows applications. The code to create a simple Windows 'skeleton' application in C using the Windows API is close to 2 pages long! The same program in C++ using MFC (Microsoft Foundation Classes) consists of at least 4 pages of code spread out across 4 source files. Thank goodness Microsoft includes the MFC AppWizard to generate this code for you. You will certainly have enough to do adding useful functionality to this generated application skeleton! C Windows Application 'Skeleton' C++ MFC Windows Application 'Skeleton' What Type of Applications can you program in C/C++? Although capable of creating any type of program C/C++ is best suited for applications where speed, control over hardware, and tight integration with the Windows OS and its many APIs are important. This includes graphics applications (ie: computer games), communications applications, and any application that requires total programatic control of the Windows API or an OS specific API (like ODBC or TAPI). Database applications are possible using C/C++, but are generally more difficult or time-consuming to program than those developed using Delphi or Visual Basic. What C/C++ compilers does SpriteMaster use? C/C++ programming environments I use include: * Microsoft Visual C++ * Borland C++ * Borland C++ Builder * IBM VisualAge for C++ SpriteMaster's C/C++ Application Gallery: |
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