Introduction to MFC
(Page 1 of 5 )
Windows managed to take over the world of personal computers in the last decade, but please don’t ask how it managed to do so. The fact is, the only possible threat for it is Linux, an operating system that still struggles to gain acceptance in the homes of average users. Whether you’re searching for a method to program an application or just want to give your console program a more stylish look, let me introduce you to the Microsoft Foundation Class library (MFC).
Before we start you should know that in order to understand this article you will need previous knowledge in the area of OOP (object-oriented programming). If you lack this basic skill, then you need to stop reading this article and find one that teaches you OOP, because to be honest, that's beyond the scope of this article.
Also note that for developing an MFC application, Visual Studio C++ is needed. Any version will do, but don’t forget that the express edition (for 2005 and 2008) doesn't include the MFC libraries. I will use Visual Studio 2005, but there is not much of a difference if you choose any other. Now that we know we aren't going without weapons to a war, the article can begin.
This will be a five part series. The first part is dedicated to finding out and understanding how Windows works, and within it, the MFC. Also we will create our first application and make the first modifications to it. The second part is dedicated to the presentation of the instruments used when creating an MFC program, the AppWizard, and the message map handler, which is commonly known as the Properties Window.
Our story continues with an in-depth account of the GDI (Graphic Design Interface), like Input/Output, text, standard controls, common controls, and image handling. Finally, we are going to finish the saga with a knowledgeable analysis of the resources; Menus, Dialogs, and Toolbars will also be present here.
So sit back, relax, and start learning and exploring new lands. Note that we won’t explore every corner of the MFC throughout this article series. The five-part series is intended to help you understand the basics of an MFC application, so that in the future you can learn it without difficulty by using one of the huge online book collections presenting the MFC in-depth.
MFC was introduced back in 1992 with Microsoft's C/C++ 7.0, so you can see that it has been around for a long time. As the years passed, it was revised and newer versions were published. Starting with MFC 8.0, these libraries weren't included in the free version of Visual Studio (from the 2005 version). As for the future, Windows is currently developing MFCNext, which will include a new user interface like the stylish and modern “Ribbon” present in Microsoft Word 2007. Its release date is expected to be in the first half of 2008.
MFC stands for Microsoft Foundation Class library. In its core is a collection of libraries, a set of data types, functions, classes, and constants used to create applications for the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems. Thus it was created by Microsoft to make writing applications for Windows easier and also for spreading the popularity of the operating system.
To achieve this, the API (application programming interface) is encapsulated in it as an immediate result of the higher developing speed. But before we go further you must know how Windows works in its core and how it handles the applications. This is crucial knowledge for later on so you can “get the big picture.”
Next: Windows and Event Handling >>
More BrainDump Articles
More By Gabor Bernat
