Beginning Visual C[plus plus] 6

By using my book with Visual C++ 6.0, youll come to understand the fundamentals of the C++ language and learn to program for Microsoft Windows. First, Ill teach you C++ from first principles, using the new standard for the language in graduated examples. Then, using your newfound C++ knowledge, Ill show you how to build applications using the Microsoft Foundation Classes.

What is this book about?

Visual C++ 6.0 was released in 1998 as a component of Visual Studio 6.0. For three years, until the launch of Visual Studio .NET to support the .NET Framework, it was Microsoft's premier development product. Now five service packs old, version 6.0 remains the environment of choice for many developers who haven't yet made the move to .NET. If your aim is to learn how to program in C++ on the Windows platform, with all the help offered by the Visual Studio interface, Visual C++ 6.0 remains a sound choice.

What does this book cover?

Beginning Visual C++ 6 can be broken down into four sections. The first is a fast-paced but thorough tutorial to the C++ language, punctuated with interesting and worthwhile example programs. After that, you'll learn about object orientation with C++, and how this relates to Windows programming - the section ends with the design and implementation of a sizable class-based C++ application.

The third part of the book walks the reader through creating Windows applications using the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC). This includes the following:

• Outputting to the screen and printer
• Creating menus, toolbars, and dialogs
• Debugging your program
• Responding to a user's actions

To illustrate the theory, this section also includes the complete implementation of a simple but fully-featured drawing application. The final section comprises a grounding in programmatic database access, an introduction to Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM), and examples of how to create ActiveX controls using both MFC and the Active Template Library (ATL).

This book was voted Amazon.com's C++ Book of the Year in 1998. It contains countless examples for you to follow and experiment with, and there are challenging exercises and model solutions in every chapter.

Who is this book for?
This book is for anyone who wants to learn C++ and Windows programming with Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0. Although progress will be easier if you have some experience of a programming discipline, an adept newcomer will also succeed in taming object-oriented programming and writing real Windows applications.

Author Ivor Horton has revised his excellent Beginning Visual C++ 5 and updated it with the latest version of Microsoft's powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Visual C++ 6.0. The first half of this publication is a C++ language tutorial; the second half is a tutorial on Windows programming concepts and an introduction to Visual C++ 6.0 IDE. For best understanding, you should be familiar with programming concepts and have some understanding of Microsoft technologies such as ActiveX, MFC and OLE.

Wrox Beginning Guides are expertly crafted to make learning fundamental programming techniques easier than you think. Whether you're taking your first steps in programming or broadening your skills with new techniques, Wrox books guarantee a carefully structured tutorial format that will guide you through all the techniques involved. First, each concept is explained, to give you a solid understanding of the material. We then apply your new understanding to practical and realistic project examples. These projects take you right up to the point where you can develop professional applications to be proud of. Our aim is to make you successful by sharing the knowledge of experienced programmers with you at every stage in your career. This book is for anyone who wants to learn C++ and Windows programming with Visual C++ 6. Although progress will be easier if you have some experience of a programming discipline, an adept newcomer will also succeed in taming object-oriented programming and writing real Windows applications. Visual C++ 6 is the latest incarnation of Microsoft's premier development product for C++ developers. It contains the latest version of the MFC&T (Microsoft Foundation Classes & Templates) which has virtually become the Industry-wide library used to write Windows programs. Visual C++ 6 also contains the Active Template Library 3.0 ( ATL ) , which is a framework and collection of Wizards for writing ActiveX & COM controls. This book is a tutorial in use of all the major functions of Visual C++ 6.Proven teaching methods guarantee success to novice C++ programmers with a complete tutorial from 'vanilla' C++ , through to OO programming, Windows and using MFC&T. Each concept is supported by graduated code examples and the reader will be coherent in writing a real Windows program and controls by the end of the book.