Microsoft Visual C++ Standard Edition - Class Library Reference for the Microsoft Foundation Class Library - Microsoft - 1993 - Paperback - Microsoft Press

Microsoft Visual C++ Standard Edition - Class Library Reference for the Microsoft Foundation Class Library
Reference Volume 1

The Class Library Reference covers the classes, global functions, global variables, and macros that make up the Microsoft Foundation Class Library version 2.0, which is included with Microsoft Visual C++ Development System for Windows version 1.0. Figure 1.1 at the end of this introduction is a class hierarchy chart that details the class relationships in the class library. This book is divided into two parts:

* Part 1 Introduction to the Microsoft Foundation Class Library
* Part 2 The Microsoft Foundation Class Reference

Part 1 contains overview material designed to help you learn about and use the Microsoft Foundation Class Library. Chapter 1 lists the classes in helpful categories. Use these lists to help locate a class that contains the functionality you are interested in. Chapters 2 through 6 describe the Microsoft Foundation Class Library and the "application framework" that it provides to help you program for the Microsoft Windows operating system. Use these chapters to learn how the framework operates and how your code fits into the framework. Practical examples and techniques are provided in the Class Library User's Guide.

Material applicable to programs for MS-DOS as well as to programs for Windows is covered in Chapter 6. This includes diagnostics, file handling, exception handling, and collection classes.

Part 2 contains the following components:
* An alphabetical listing of the classes
* A section that explains the global functions, global variables, and macros used with the class library

The hierarchy chart and the subset charts included with each class are useful for locating base classes. Be aware that the class documentation does not include repeated descriptions of inherited member functions, inherited operators, and overridden virtual member functions. You must always refer to the base classes depicted in the hierarchy diagrams.

In the alphabetical listing, each class description includes a member summary by category followed by alphabetical listings of:
* Member functions (public, protected, and private intermixed)
* Overloaded operators
* Data members

Public and protected class members are documented only when they are normally used in application programs or derived classes. Occasionally, private members are listed because they override a public or protected member in the base class. See the class header files for a complete listing of class members.

Many member functions of the Microsoft Foundation classes encapsulate calls to Windows API functions that are specific to Microsoft Windows version 3.1. These functions (and other material) are marked as "Windows 3.1 Only" in the alphabetical reference. To clearly distinguish Windows 3.1-specific material, each such section begins with the heading "Windows 3.1 Only" and ends with a diamond icon (*).

Some C-language structures defined by Windows are so widely applicable that their descriptions have been reproduced completely in pertinent places in the alphabetical reference. Similarly, styles, such as window styles, are listed in appropriate places in the alphabetical reference.

In Part 2, please note that the "See Also" sections refer to Windows functions by prefacing them with the scope resolution operator (::). For example, ::EqualRect. More information on these functions can be found in the Windows Programmer's Reference, other Windows references, and Help.

The "Macros and Globals" section at the end of the alphabetical class reference details the global functions, global variables, and macros supplied with the Microsoft Foundation Class Library. The section lists data types used with the class library, diagnostic and exception-handling services available, and message-map information. Macros, global functions, and global variables are listed alphabetically. See the beginning of the "Macros and Globals" section for a list of the topics covered.