Windows API Reference
Welcome to the comprehensive API Reference for Windows development. This section provides detailed documentation on the functions, structures, enumerations, and constants that form the backbone of Windows programming.
Explore the vast landscape of Windows APIs to build powerful, secure, and efficient applications. Whether you are developing desktop applications, services, drivers, or system-level tools, you'll find the information you need here.
Getting Started
The Windows API (Application Programming Interface) is a collection of functions and structures provided by the Windows operating system that allows applications to interact with the operating system's services and hardware.
Key areas include:
- Core Operating System Services: Process management, memory management, file I/O, registry access, and threading.
- User Interface: Creating windows, handling messages, drawing graphics, and managing user input.
- Networking: Socket programming, HTTP communication, and other network protocols.
- Security: Access control, authentication, and cryptography.
- System Information: Querying hardware, software, and system configuration details.
Key API Categories
Navigate through the different categories of Windows APIs to find specific documentation:
Commonly Used Functions
CreateProcess: Starts a new process.GetMessage: Retrieves messages from the application message queue.WriteFile: Writes data to a file.socket: Creates a socket.RegOpenKeyEx: Opens a specified registry key.
Important Structures
PROCESS_INFORMATION: Contains information about a newly created process and its primary thread.MSG: Represents a message sent to an application.FILETIME: Contains a date or time.
Common Enumerations
FILE_ACCESS_RIGHTS: Specifies the access rights for a file.WS_STYLE: Defines window styles.
Useful Constants
INVALID_HANDLE_VALUE: Represents an invalid handle.MAX_PATH: Maximum length of a path.
This reference is designed for developers working with various versions of Windows, from Windows Vista and later to the latest releases. Use the navigation pane on the left to browse specific API categories or search for a particular function or structure.