Gnarly

So far I've been running all my C++ code via cmd with arguments or in a console with cin>> and cout<< for instructions. I want to start making GUIs for my progams. Right now I'm looking at this. Is learning the win32 API the best place to start? This tutorial teaches win32 API with C. I would prefer C++, but it seems the transition to C is easy enough.

Is there a better way? Right now I want text boxes, buttons, forms, start/stop functionality, possible pop-ups, tabs, with room for more and more complex interfaces.

So I guess what I want know, is C + Win32 API the best place to start learning about C/C++ GUIs? Link me to any tutorials/books you think might be useful. I eventually want to do pretty, interesting, unique stuff and not have all my programs look like they're from 1998 (though at the moment, that is less important).

ONE MORE THING. I have CodeGear / Borland C++ Builder 2007, Visual Studio, Visual Basic Express 2008, Visual C++ Express 2008, and Dev-C++. I keep migrating between all of them, never really getting comfortable or efficient with any of them. Which IDE/Compiler should I stick with?
Thanks,

Wyatt

bomfunk

Firstly, I should tell you that programming GUIs by directly using Windows API calls is a huge pain and not the type of thing that anyone really does any more, except for special circumstances or learning purposes (and, well, since you're learning I don't think it'll be bad, but just to let you know).

Well, to start learning about GUIs you should definitely use a visual RAD IDE, basically the type that allows you to draw the components on the screen (you appear to be familiar with these already).

Whether Win32 API is the best place to start... IDK. I can fairly safely say that it's not a bad place to start if you want to get the feel of manually programming your GUIs, but while we're on the subject, have you considered using a cross-platform widget toolkit like GTK+ or Qt? With these, you can make Windows apps but since they're cross-platform, you can make the programs work on pretty much any platform (Linux, Unix, OS X, w/e) as long as you don't use any other Windows-specific coding. Of course, nothing keeps you from learning these later on if you ever need/want to develop on other platforms - just letting you know that there are different possibilities.

I wouldn't recommend Dev-C++ because it doesn't seem to be maintained any more. Any of the big-name ones (Microsoft/CodeGear) IDEs should be good enough - you may also want to take a look at Eclipse. I used to be a big fan of Borland stuff, I still like them but I just haven't kept up with their offerings so I don't know anything about their newer stuff. Visual C++ and even Visual C# (different language but very similar to C/C++ and very powerful/popular) would be good from the VS bunch, but I personally am not a big fan of VB.

So basically, I suggest you try stick with Borland/CG or Visual C++, especially if you're strictly planning to do Windows programming. For cross-platform stuff, Eclipse is one of, if not, the best.

Also, may I ask where you got your Borland thing from? Do they have a free version like the Visual Studio Express lot, or did you get it through your school or something? Or did you use any special sources?

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Gnarly

I'm doing research for my school, so they purchased Borland for me. It was the older 2007 student edition, but it's a complete, full version.

Here is a link to retail cost. They only charged $100 since I'm not a professional, and I'm not profiting (yet) from it.

Widget toolkits look much better than learning win32 api. I always get frustrated when people say, "I do everything in Notepad, no need for anything else" since not all of us are minimalist powerusers with years of experience.

Rep+ thank you!!!

The Bartender Paradox

For IDEs I suggest Code::Blocks. Its free and much better than Dev-C++ (It's supported!)

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Gnarly

I'm downloading Qt. I understand the commercial usage restrictions, and that doesn't bother me. I tried downloading FLTK, but couldn't figure out how to install or use the frickin' thing, so I assume I'm better off with a program that will hold my hand. wxWidgets had mixed reviews, a lot of people said it was slow. I don't know how much this would really matter for what I'm doing.

Anyway, is there an IDE that combines GUI/widget functionality with a nice complier in one slick, easy enough for children, interface?

Territorial

I would also suggest Code::Blocks as an IDE. It also has tools built in to create GUI applications with WxWidgets, which happens to be the GUI toolkit I recommend