Re: Win32Lib overhead
- Posted by Euman <euman at bellsouth.net> Nov 28, 2002
- 392 views
: Rob Craig writes : Win32Lib is a lot easier. Others (Euman?) can comment better : on the trade-offs. API programming is difficult because, most of your time is spent weeding thru the MS Platform SDK whereas Win32lib has a nifty helpfile that comes with the package. True, API code will be the fastest and the smallest generated code but as Derek said earlier, I quote: "Going with the WinAPI approach, you will certainly be able to create smaller and faster executing programs - at the cost of more of your time to create and maintain them. Overtime, however, you will also be able to build up a collection of files to make your own "win32" library - rather than reinventing the wheel for each new app" The "Overtime, however" means several things. 1) you will spend alot of "Overtime" creating a simple program 2) "However", that code will be yours to keep. 3) you wont have the need to wait for someone else to produce another release to either fix a bug or add new features because, you'll have the knowledge to read the SDK and figure things out on your own. I wish there were more API programmers that were willing to create plugable modules. My treeview and listview routines for example, they're modular but you still need to do some work inside your main program to handle using them. All the constants and structures are defined and noone will ever have to touch this work again. Its sortof the approach Win32lib is about to take on. "Why it took so long for this to happen is simply because it too is written using the API as a base to make it easier for everyone." I guess my answer would be: use Win32lib to not learn anything and be put on hold waiting for releases or, actually do the work yourself. Myself and many others have written alot of modular code that you can use. Jut take the time to learn API and you'll be happier with the results. This is an oppinion I have because Im happier coding direct API but, I still use Win32lib for certain projects that must go out the door quickly. You decide! Euman