What is SDK and API functions?

A software development kit (SDK or devkit) is typically a set of development tools that allows for the creation of applications for a certain software package.

An application programming interface (API) is an interface implemented by a software program to enable interaction with other software.

Example: Windows operating system provides user APIs through windows Win32 DLLs.

CreateFile() is an example API to access files system of windows. It has been provided by kernel32.dll.

Now developer who wants to access file system must call CreateFile() function from application. Windows Win32 SDK provides this facility. It provides C++ header files and import libraries as a part of SDK. CreateFile() function has been declared in winbase.h and imported through kernel32.lib.

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Further readings

Where is WinMain() function in MFC application ?

MFC hides WinMain in its framework and includes source file on WinMain(). This explains how framework calls global CWinApp::Initinstance() from entry WinMain.

What is the utility of CWinApp class?

This is constructed during global C++ objects are constructed and is already available when Windows calls the WinMain function, which is supplied by the ...

Basic steps in Win32 GUI Application with source code.

Define a custom Window class structure, Register the class name, CreateWindow, Show windows and write message get and dispatch loop statements. Define the Window CallBack procedure and write the handlers.

What is a Window CallBack procedure and what is its utility?

DispatchMessage() is a API which indirectly triggers the Window CallBack procedure. Message structure members from this function are passed to the CallBack procedure. CallBack procedure should implement event handlers depending on the need of the application.

What are LPARAM and WPARAM in window proc function?

LPARAM and WPARAM are the two parameters in Window CallBack procedure. They signifies parameters of various events. They are used in handing individual events.

What are the basic steps of a typical MFC based application?

We need to write WinMain and need to follow all these in a Win32 application. However we need not to write much if we are writing an application with MFC ...

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