Win32 API programming
 

Recently, I've been looking at some of my possible career paths (for when I'm out of school). So today I came across one job of particular interest, where on the application they request the following:
So I've decided to learn the Win32 API using c++. Now, The reason I'm posting here is because most of the good books I found on this subject all require some sort of unix background.

What book(s) have you came across that are good on the win32 API (with c++) programming topic?

I guess I don't understand why a book on the Win API would have any significant reference to Unix at all, since it's a Windows thangy.

Generally any good VC++ book introduce you first with some API functions. They will tell you how too start with and create basic windows with API functions. So for start such kind of book is good for you. You can also find a basic starting book on win API here on this URL. http://www.winprog.org/tutorial/

I dont mean to be rude but reading a book on C++ with reference to Win32 api wont in a million years give you a strong knowledge of C++ and Win32 API.

I suggest you read a book and then write some sizable projects using what you have learned. This will give you some experience and you will learn more doing that than you will by just reading a book. Anyone can read a book but its the true understanding gained by hands on experience that counts. Then you will have some evidance when you go to an interview to show that you are capable and know what you are talking about.

But dont listen to me because i am an idoit CS student who knows bugger all about anything.

Though I hate, and at the same time still kinda like, coding in C/C++ using the WIN32 API. The only way to really learn how to use it is to just mess around. You can do a lot of funny stuff with the knowledge of how to work with WIN32 API (now that you are out of the little black command prompt box.):)

Personally, I would suggest you attempt to learn C++ and the win32 API as separate things, rather than trying to learn them together.

C++ is a standardised programming language, which can be used on many platforms other than a windows box.

The win32 API, as the name suggests, is an Application Programming Interface for doing things that are specific to the windows operating systems. It can be used from any programming language, subject to having a compiler with appropriate support (eg libraries, header files) that support it.

Skills in both are useful. Learning them together, so you don't know whether you are doing something which is C++-generic or win32 specific, tends to tie you into doing development only for windows platforms. You will know something of C++, but you will have trouble proving that your skills are relevant to other platforms. You will know something of the win32 API, but have difficulty migrating to other languages (or, in worst case, to different C++ compilers under windows). Both of these types of confusion will result from having your knowledge of each muddied by your knowledge of the other.

There is nothing wrong with learning the win32 API first (eg in the context of a windows-specific language like VB) but I would suggest learning C++ first. Get the skills with that down. Ideally, do work with multiple compilers and multiple operating systems. Then simply view the win32 API as a library (a set of functions and data types, with a defined interface).