Win 32 API

[vis781]

I know this is very lazy and i should get my wallet out and buy a book but i was wondering if anyone knows any good sites containing the functions of the win 32 api. I know that this is not the preferred way to program in vb.net but i am just looking to expand my knowledge. Not coming from a vb background where using the windows api was common place i feel like i'm missing out on certain things.

 

[JohnH]

links... MSDN it The Place as usual.
MSDN Win32 http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/dnanchor/html/anch_win32com.asp
MSDN API http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/winprog/winprog/windows_api_start_page.asp
Api guide (VB6 with examples) http://www.mentalis.org/agnet/apiguide.shtml
Api viewer app with VB.Net style definitions syntax http://www.activevb.de/rubriken/apiviewer/index-apiviewereng.html
Pinvoke.Net (similar to Api guide) http://www.pinvoke.net/index.aspx

You probably know this already, but from .Net viewpoint this stuff is usually only sought when there is nothing native in the .Net Framework to provide the requested functionality.

 

[vis781]

Cheers johnH, and i'm sure you know that in the workplace many people are still using vb and probably not thinking about porting to vb.net. So i just figured that having a good working knowledge of the win 32 api would help me to expand my client base. Thanks for the links i'll check them out.

 

[Xombus]

If you're looking for online resources to learn about the Win32 API functions, there are several websites that can provide you with the necessary information. Here are a few reliable sources:

Microsoft Documentation: The official Microsoft documentation is a comprehensive resource for learning about the Win32 API. The documentation provides detailed information about each API function, including its syntax, parameters, return values, and examples. You can access it at: Build desktop Windows apps using the Win32 API - Win32 apps

Pinvoke.net: Pinvoke.net is a community-driven website that provides a collection of Win32 API function signatures for various programming languages, including VB.NET. It can be a useful reference when you're trying to use specific API functions in your code. The website is available at: pinvoke.net: the interop wiki!

CodeProject: CodeProject is an online community for software developers that offers a wide range of articles, tutorials, and code samples. It has a section dedicated to Win32 programming, where you can find helpful resources and examples. You can explore the Win32 category at: CodeProject

TheForger's Win32 API Tutorial: Although this tutorial is a bit older, it provides a comprehensive introduction to Win32 API programming. It covers topics such as window creation, message handling, and various API functions. You can access it at: theForger's Win32 API Tutorial

You can also read this article about API: what it is, FAQ on the subject, maybe you will be useful.

Remember that the Win32 API is not specific to VB.NET but rather a lower-level interface for Windows programming in general. Therefore, some examples and resources you find may be in C/C++. However, you can easily translate the code and concepts to VB.NET.

It's worth noting that there are higher-level frameworks and libraries available for Windows development that abstract away the need to directly work with the Win32 API, such as Windows Forms or WPF. These frameworks provide a more streamlined and VB.NET-friendly approach to building Windows applications.

 

[cjard]

i feel like i'm missing out on certain things

You're missing out on a world of pain..

..for what gain, I'm unsure