The Old Joel on Software Forum: Part 4 (of 5)

Win32 Programming

Rector and Newcomer's "Win32 Programming" is described as the definitive win32 programming guide, but it was published in 1997. Is it still relevant? Are there newer books or updated versions of this one?

Thanks in advance.

Eponymous
Monday, March 15, 2004

For most practical purposes, Win32 hasn't changed since 1997.

K
Monday, March 15, 2004

Well, the only real alternative is Petzold's "Programming Windows", and its latest edition is 98. I personally prefer Rector. Both books miss on some latest additions, but they are still good as a foundation.

Floridian
Monday, March 15, 2004

It really depends on what aspect of Win32 programming you're interested in. Rector & Newcomer is basically an exhaustive treatment of Win32 user-interface programming done the really hard way. It's still useful when you have to dive down to a lower level than the likes of VB let you, but in that case Dan Appleman's book is also a good choice.

If you're interested in system programming (eg processes, threads, services etc) then it's not likely to be useful, and you're better off with Jeffrey Richter's books, or Hart's "Win32 System Programming".

as
Monday, March 15, 2004

Hi - please help me out here..."Rector & Newcomer" doesn't bring anything useful up on Amazon at a first stab...what's the title? or ISBN?

Thanks!

Aaron F Stanton
Tuesday, March 16, 2004

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0201634929/103-9777974-6218205?v=glance

Win32 Programming
by Brent E. Rector (Author), Joseph M. Newcomer (Author)
# Hardcover: 1529 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 2.34 x 9.58 x 7.82
# Publisher: Addison-Wesley Pub Co; (January 6, 1997)
# ISBN: 0201634929

Richard Sunarto
Tuesday, March 16, 2004

Thanks, Richard!

Aaron F Stanton
Tuesday, March 16, 2004

Thanks for all the feedback. It is UI programming I'm interested in... I think I'll go look for Rector.

Eponymous
Tuesday, March 16, 2004