Visual Basic 6 Win32 API Tutorial - Softcover

Bock, Jason

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1861002432 ISBN 13: 9781861002433

Publisher: Apress, 1998

Synopsis

Win32 API calls from Visual Basic 6 - allowing the VB programmer to access the powerful repertoire of API calls available when programming in Windows.

Visual Basic does an excellent job of letting developers build sophisticated Windows applications in a relatively short amount of time. This allows one to quickly build prototypes for end-users to evaluate and test, which can accelerate the development cycle. However, this ease of use does have its disadvantages. By shielding the programmer from the low-level Win32 calls, s/he may not be able to optimize certain functions and/or perform some tasks that the users have requested. Unless a programmer has started his/her career developing Windows applications in a lower level language like C or Pascal, they may be unfamiliar with the API calls that can be made to the OS. This can lead to frustration or confusion in using an API procedure that may behave unexpectedly.

Currently, there exist a number of references, both on the Internet and in printed form, that have documented virtually all of the Win32 API calls that can be made. While most of them do an fine job in explaining what the calls do, there are relatively few books that show clear, step-by-step examples that can be applied to business development. This book will address the newcomer to VB who is just starting to learn how to code within the environment, and give them clear explanations to the Win32 calls within a project application.

About this title

Review

With just a bit of effort, Visual Basic developers can make use of Win32 C API function calls to extend the functionality of their programs. Jason Bock's Visual Basic 6 Win32 API Tutorial shows you how to write faster, richer Visual Basic applications using Win32.

The book begins with the basics of the Win32 API, including system dynamic-link libraries (DLLs). The author covers Win32 API declarations and the often tricky mappings between Visual Basic and Win32 C data types. (His tips on using Strings will be indispensable for anyone who has ever struggled with Unicode Strings within Visual Basic.) The author uses a simple file encryption program to illustrate basic Win32 calls for better file input/output (I/O), including reading and writing files.

Bock also offers tips for extending user interfaces, including how to customize the TreeView control. Next come GDI graphics calls, including customizing a form's background and using bitmaps for menu items. Tips on setting hooks for your windows and using callback functions round out the tour. Final chapters introduce material on COM that shows you how to package modules using Win32 calls into reusable objects.

Throughout the Visual Basic 6 Win32 API Tutorial, the author's exceptionally clear prose style--and distinctively personal touch--helps bring the reader along. This excellent book assumes only a basic knowledge of Visual Basic and absolutely no C/C++ experience. It puts the benefits of Win32 C API programming into the hands of almost every Visual Basic developer. --Richard Dragan

From the Publisher

Visual Basic programmers who have some experience programming with Visual Basic, who now want to exploit the resources of the Windows environment.

Since the book's primary focus is on the Win32 API, the reader should be able to use either VB4 32-bit or VB5, except for the sections on callbacks (only VB5 can be used in these areas). Also, the calls will be limited to 32 bit calls - no 16 bit calls will be addressed.

The author will handle any knowledge of building components to encapsulate API functionality - it will not be a requirement of the reader to understand COM at any level. All component examples will be specified in full for the reader to keep the emphasis on the API calls.

Edition details

• Publisher: Apress
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 1861002432
• ISBN 13: 9781861002433
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 368