Programming Win32 Under the API

Summary

The Windows API is an abstraction layer that hides important differences between the Windows operating systems. Author Pat Villani cuts through the overwhelming detail of function calls to show how the Windows operating systems work - then demonstrates how to use this information to build applications that will function reliably across Windows versions.

Learn how to use the Win32 API effectively by looking at its underpinnings. Villani offers a traditional topic-by-topic view of Windows programming that explores how the Win32 API supports each operating function. By examining each topic at a concept level, then diving into implementation, you will employ sound operating system principles that will fully exploit the API's functionality. Essential concepts you will learn include how to:

use the console mode to write simple code or test files when it is appropriate

employ the underlying file system functions in the design of databases

develop Win32 OS threads and multiprogramming methods for reliable system performance

Reinforce your understanding of the Win32 OS interface by working through a demonstration project. The author guides you through the development of a version of the Windows NT cmd.exe command line interface to consolidate your understanding of the API's functionality in developing portable, industrial-strength applications.

The CD-ROM features an array of Open Source development tools worth hundreds of dollars in the commercial market. You get the Mingw (Minimalist GNU for Windows) compiler port, GNU C/C++ Compiler Suite Source Code and Binaries, and complete documentation.

Pat Villani is a principal engineer on system management tools that span UNIX and Microsoft operating systems. Pat has 25 years of industry experience in both hardware and software development. He has contributed to the free software community by writing the FreeDOS kernel and DOS-C, and has written articles for industry magazines as well as the book FreeDOS Kernel (CMP Books). Pat holds a BSEE from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn and an MSEE from Polytechnic Institute of New York. He can be reached at: www.opensourcedepot.com

Pat Villani has developed applications ranging from avionics and guidance to computer peripherals. His special interests are C applications and embedded control systems. He received his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of New York.