Windows programming using C++

[kostya]

I am looking for a source (website, book, whatever) from which I can learn basic Windows systems coding with C++. I am just looking at the basic info: file I/O, multi-process/multi-threaded programs, reading to and from a TCP connecting, etc.

I know how to do all of this under POSIX and I realize that I can Google all of it up, but I would prefer to have a single source to learn it and refer to as reference.

[billlanam]

What compiler are you using? Microsoft uses MFC (Microsoft Foundation Classes) to simplify Windows. Borland uses VCL (Visual Component Libraries).
I don't know what Intel uses.  And of course there is cygwin's gcc or mingw.
Using the Windows API directly is a hassle, though once you get used to it, it isn't so bad, but you have to be more careful than with MFC or VCL.

[kostya]

I have Visual Studio installed and want to learn it, so I guess I will learn MFC then.

[billlanam]

Visual studio (assuming its not the free version, which doesn't have MFC) has help for MFC built in (may also include the same manual that Microsoft sells as a help file), and of course there are books that you can get that tell you how to program with MFC.  A very early version of visual studio had a tutorial, I don't know if they still supply one with latest versions.

If you only have the free version, and aren't willing to shell out money for a professional version, then you have to use the Windows API, or get a library that simplifies Windows a little like Qt or gtk+, etc., won't be as easy to use as MFC, but it will still be easier.

[raylu]

If you're a student, you might be able to get it for free through Dreamspark.

Also, this has no bearing on the issue at hand, but hall of shame.

[lollibear]

http://www.learncpp.com/ dis is where i learnt to code really gewd guides or i think :$