Chapter 2. The Windows Programming Model

"Lilu Dallas Multipass!"

—Lilu, The 5^th Element

Windows programming is like going to the dentist: You know it's good for you, but no one likes doing it. Am I right? In this chapter, I'm going to show you the basics of Windows programming using my "Zen" methodology—or, in other words, the easy way. I can't promise that you'll like going to the dentist after reading this chapter, but I can promise you that you'll like Windows programming a lot more than you ever did! Here's what you'll learn:

• The history of Windows

• Basic Windows architecture

• Windows' classes

• Creating Windows

• Windows event handlers

• Event-driven programming and event loops

• Opening multiple windows