Windows API Reference (User Mode)

This section provides comprehensive documentation for the Windows application programming interfaces (APIs) that run in user mode. User-mode APIs allow applications and services to interact with the operating system and hardware without direct kernel privileges.

Key Areas

Explore the following categories for user-mode API documentation:

Core Windows APIs

  • Window Management: APIs for creating and managing windows, handling messages, and user input. (e.g., CreateWindowEx, GetMessage)
  • Graphics and Multimedia: APIs for drawing, image manipulation, audio, and video playback. (e.g., GDI, Direct2D, DirectSound)
  • File System and I/O: APIs for file operations, registry access, and device input/output. (e.g., CreateFile, ReadFile)
  • Networking: APIs for network communication, socket programming, and internet protocols. (e.g., Winsock)
  • Security: APIs for managing user accounts, permissions, and data protection. (e.g., Access Control Lists)

Common Controls and UI Elements

  • Shell Functions: APIs for interacting with the Windows shell, including file browsing, shortcuts, and system information.
  • Common Dialog Boxes: Standard dialogs for opening files, saving files, color selection, font selection, etc. (e.g., ChooseFont)
  • Rich Edit Controls: APIs for rich text editing capabilities.

System Services and Management

  • Process and Thread Management: APIs for creating, managing, and synchronizing processes and threads. (e.g., CreateProcess, CreateThread)
  • Memory Management: APIs for allocating and managing memory. (e.g., VirtualAlloc)
  • Registry Access: APIs for reading and writing to the Windows Registry.

Getting Started

To effectively use the user-mode APIs, it is recommended to:

  • Understand the fundamentals of the Windows operating system architecture.
  • Familiarize yourself with the C/C++ programming language, as most native Windows APIs are C-based.
  • Utilize development tools such as Visual Studio for coding, debugging, and building applications.
  • Refer to specific API documentation for function signatures, parameters, return values, and example usage.

For detailed information on individual functions, structures, and concepts, please navigate through the relevant sub-sections or use the search functionality.

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