Day 3: In which I lose my windows programming virginity

And just like that, the first step toward a fully complete and functional Link's Awakening editor has been taken.


That's right, kiddos, I have official performed (and it WAS a performance) the creation my first ever Windows API program. That program, of course, being an empty window.


I feel pretty proud of myself. Let's detail how it happened, eh?

About four hours ago I went to the Microsoft website and downloaded the Windows SDK. Actually, I downloaded one of many of them, but I just went with the defaults anyway. Screw instructions.


While it was downloading I checked facebook, watched some TV, went and had dinner, and by the time I got back it was done. Great.

Anyway. I copied and pasted The Forger's Hello World message box program into VC++, and it worked. Thus began a three hour long journey of copying, pasting, looking in the help files, writing the code for myself (which I figured I should do to help me retain it, but with the Window Class Properties I just could not bring myself to do it), and finally building. After I thought I had it all done, I compiled and ran it.


There were 38 errors.


But, I pushed through. Most of the errors were simple syntax, or idiotic capitalization of variables, and I realized that I had never learned to handle strings in c++ without string objects, so needless to say I needed a refresher. Anyway, it finally worked, and what you see at the top it the result.


I still don't know how Window Procedure functions are referenced in the main body of code, so if anyone is reading this who knows, I'd appreciate it.


Speaking of, a note on people reading this blog (whom at the present I am sure are 0):

I created the blog primarily to document my progress and to give myself a sense of accomplishment that would drive my hard work. I never expected anyone to read it. But, maybe after a few more posts, I'll spam Mystery Google with it or something. (I wrote a Greasemonkey script for that.)


What I learned:
-Losing Windows API virginity should always be done with the condom of the Microsoft SDK and extensive help files.
-What handles are, how windows behave, and the basic structure of the Windows API.
-Ham and cheese omelets for dinner are delicious.


Up next:
-Minimap Pallete and Behavior Data editing.


Goodnight, all, and I wish you good hacking dreams.


...okay sorry, that was creepy.