Creating a simple program in C++ for windows. How to build GUI

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+1 Q:

Creating a simple program in C++ for windows. How to build GUI

For a school project, we need to create a fairly simple app using C++ and .NET framework. I only know C++, but we need to produce a working executable file for the project. The prof said we can use WYSIWYG editors for the GUI, but i can't seem to find one in Visual C++. I wanted to code with Visual C++ since i want to learn about Visual Studio.

Is there a way I can use a GUI builder application for C++ and somehow connect it with my project in Visual C++?

I'm very new to .NET and have spent the past 3 hours reading about .NET and the developer tools and what not, and i'm kinda lost..

+1 A:

I use wxWidgets and wxFrameBuilder for my GUI. It does not require ".NET", but that's what I like about it. :-)

wxFrameBuilder is a tool that helps you create the GUI layout.

Thomas Matthews 2010-02-05 21:14:47

do i need to use their SDK, or can i just produce the skeleton code for the gui, and connect it all together within Visual C++?

Wonder 2010-02-05 21:18:32

@Wonder, but you are saying "we need to create a fairly simple app using C++ and .NET framework", so it means you are expected to use .NET Framework and C++ (I understand it is Managed C++ or C++/CLI). If these are requirements, then keep in mind that Qt is useless for your project. Qt is a separate GUI toolkit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qt_%28toolkit%29), though it is usable with Visual Studio IDE and Visual C++ compiler, but WYSIWYG design of GUI elements will not be available form Visual Studio IDE. You need to use dedicated tools Qt Designer / Qt Creator.

mloskot 2010-02-06 02:06:27

+6 A:

1) Download Visual C++ 2008 Express for free here

2) Go to File->New->Windows Form Application.

Done! You got the WYSIWYG editors for the GUI.

Hope it helps Max

Massimo Fazzolari 2010-02-05 21:19:42

Remember to use CTRL-SHIFT-B to build.

Chris 2010-02-05 21:22:01

This should work. As a side note to the OP, Visual Studio's WYSIWYG GUI editor is usually referred to as the *Windows Forms Designer*. It's indeed included in both Visual Studio 2008 or the Visual C++ 2008 Express edition. -- The last thing which should also not be forgotten is that Visual C++ running on the .NET CLR actually uses a slightly adapted form of the C++ language.

stakx 2010-02-05 21:25:44

thanks, now i created the existing code i have for the project with File->New->win32 Project, but the Windows Form Application is under CLRShould i recreate the application differently somehow or just use the Windows Forms Application for the whole project?

Wonder 2010-02-05 21:35:44

This is the best route. If you are looking for a cross platform toolkit look into GTK.

John Bellone 2010-02-05 22:06:30

You have to create a Windows Form Application to make a .NET Application. You should create a new project. The win32 project doesn't fits your needs.

Massimo Fazzolari 2010-02-05 22:14:42

yeah i've playing around with it, i'm gonna have to do everything under Forms application.. Thank you

Wonder 2010-02-05 22:20:19

you're welcome! Enjoy .net platform ;)

Massimo Fazzolari 2010-02-05 22:24:36

ansaurus

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Creating a simple program in C++ for windows. How to build GUI

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