UINT32

UINT32 is a 32-bit unsigned integer type.

Description

The UINT32 type represents a 32-bit unsigned integer. This means it can store non-negative integer values ranging from 0 up to a maximum value determined by 2³² - 1. It is commonly used in Windows API functions for parameters, return values, and data structures where a 32-bit unsigned integer is required.

Definition

UINT32 is typically defined in Windows header files, such as windef.h, as follows:

typedef unsigned int UINT32;

In C++ environments, especially when using modern C++ standards, you might also encounter or use uint32_t from the <cstdint> header, which provides fixed-width integer types.

Usage Examples

Here are a few scenarios where UINT32 might be used:

1. Function Parameters

A function might accept a UINT32 to represent a count, an identifier, or a status code:


void SetSystemMetric(UINT32 metricId, UINT32 value);
UINT32 GetProcessId(HANDLE hProcess);

2. Data Structures

UINT32 is often used in Windows structures to define fields:


typedef struct _FILE_BASIC_INFORMATION {
    LARGE_INTEGER CreationTime;
    LARGE_INTEGER LastAccessTime;
    LARGE_INTEGER LastWriteTime;
    LARGE_INTEGER ChangeTime;
    UINT32 FileAttributes; // Example usage of UINT32
} FILE_BASIC_INFORMATION, *PFILE_BASIC_INFORMATION;

3. Return Values

Functions might return a UINT32 to indicate success codes or specific data:


UINT32 RegisterDevice(const WCHAR* deviceName);

Compatibility

The UINT32 type ensures compatibility across different Windows versions and architectures that support 32-bit unsigned integers. While modern Windows development often leverages 64-bit architecture, 32-bit types remain fundamental for many legacy APIs and specific low-level operations.