Using CB's for Win dev? Form w/Btn? Avoid using MS Lib's/multi-platform compile?

[Mel_3]

- I'm a newbie and have Googled around some about Code::Blocks
- I found some good tutorials on creating Console App's
- But am interested in creating GUI/Windows type application
- Hopefully some kind soul will help me get quick started and answer some basic questions as I ramp up...
- Below are current Goals and the actual Questions I have right now..
Thanks for any help.

Goal1: Learn C++
Goal2: Migrate MS vba App to C++ for Win PC's - and avoid any JIT code like .net, etc (want fully compiled app)
Goal3: If practical use non MS libraries so that potentially, in the future the App can be recompiled for other platforms

Question1: Are these goals practical and obtainable with Code::Blocks and minGW/GCC?
Question2: Looking for tutorial on creating a Form and adding a Button
Question3: Later tutorials for creating MsgBox, InputBox, Combo Box/Drop Down Menu, Data Entry Fields, etc

[MortenMacFly]

Question1: Are these goals practical and obtainable with Code::Blocks and minGW/GCC?
Question2: Looking for tutorial on creating a Form and adding a Button
Question3: Later tutorials for creating MsgBox, InputBox, Combo Box/Drop Down Menu, Data Entry Fields, etc

Code::Blocks is an IDE. What you use it with, i.e. what compiler and what UI library are targettting is your choice. So we cannot answer your questions until you made that choice. And even then, if you have chosen a framework you would better ask in the forum dedicated to this framework. If you the have trouble setting up your frame work with C::B and thats a C::B issue, come back.

[Mel_3]

MortenMacFly,

Thank you for your help.

- I'm guessing the compiler of choice might be minGW/GCC.
- but what other compiler choices should be considered for CB and GUI dev?

- Given minGW/GCC then what UI library for GUI dev?
- what UI library choices should I consider? Maybe that is the next question?

- And what "form builder" options are there?
- like will wxFormBuilder or wxSmith or what?

I'm looking around the net and at other forums but using CB as the IDE seemed like a starting point for finding out what others may suggest would work best for the stated goals, etc.

Thanks again for your help.

[MortenMacFly]

- I'm guessing the compiler of choice might be minGW/GCC.
- but what other compiler choices should be considered for CB and GUI dev?

To name some alternatives: MS Visual Studio, Intel, Borland - one of the major features of C::B is that it can drive many compilers.

- Given minGW/GCC then what UI library for GUI dev?
- what UI library choices should I consider? Maybe that is the next question?

Again: Many. To name some: wxWidgets, MFC, GTK, QT, every OpenGL related UI and so on... MinGW (and other compilers) can handle all of them.

- And what "form builder" options are there?
- like will wxFormBuilder or wxSmith or what?

C::B has an integrated wxWidgets based "form builder", named wxSmith. You can happily use any other, like wxFormBuilder as you mentioned. However, also a lot of other mentioned UI frameworks either ship with an own native form builder or there is one available.

Hopefully you understand now: You have choices as you have to make one. How should we know whats best for you? We don't even know what you want to develop. We provide an IDE that helps you to setup your project and compile it (cross-platform, if desired).

As a matter of fact, the forum members use a lot of these frameworks mentioned. So whoever you'll ask here will tell you a different favourite. Sorry to say that, but your question simply cannot be answered. You have to note down what you need, that look around whats available and what fits best your needs. For every developer in the world these are the most common basic initial steps to do when planning an application.

Edit: Typos.

[Mel_3]

MortonMacFly,

Actually your answers have helped me very much and I thank you for that.

I see wxSmith on the Menu now but when I attempt to create a new project ...  C::B ask me for wxWidget's location.

I'm going to start a new thread with this specific Subject as it may help others find any answers to the topic.

Thank you again for your help.