Windows Desktop Application Tutorials

Desktop Application Development Tutorials

Last Updated: 2023-10-27 Views: 1,234,567 Author: Microsoft Developer Team

Welcome to the comprehensive collection of tutorials for developing native desktop applications on Windows. This section covers a wide range of technologies and paradigms to help you build powerful, performant, and user-friendly applications for the Windows desktop.

Getting Started with Win32 API

Learn the fundamentals of Windows programming using the Win32 API. This series will guide you through creating basic windows, handling messages, and understanding the core components of a Windows application.

                
// Example: Basic window creation (Conceptual Snippet)
#include <windows.h>

// ...
// RegisterClassEx, CreateWindowEx, etc.
// Message loop (GetMessage, TranslateMessage, DispatchMessage)

Modernizing with MFC

Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) provides an object-oriented wrapper around the Win32 API, simplifying development. Explore how to leverage MFC for rapid application development.

Note: While Win32 API is the foundation, MFC can significantly speed up development for many common desktop application patterns.

Leveraging .NET Framework and .NET (Core) for Desktop

Discover how to build sophisticated desktop applications using C# and Visual Basic with .NET Framework (WinForms, WPF) and the modern .NET platform.

Example of a modern UI built with WPF.

Cross-Platform Desktop Development with .NET MAUI

Learn how .NET MAUI enables you to build native applications for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android from a single codebase.

Tip: For new projects, consider .NET (Core) with WPF or .NET MAUI for a more modern and maintainable approach.

Advanced Topics

Dive deeper into specialized areas of desktop development, including: