C# and the .NET Framework: The C++ Perspective

Chapter 3.1. Introduction to Windows Forms

IN THIS CHAPTER

• The Hello Windows Forms Application

• Creating and Using an Event Handler

• Defining the Border Style of the Form

• Adding a Menu

• Adding a Menu Shortcut

• Handling Events from Menus

Windows Forms is the .NET replacement for MFC. Unlike the MFC library, which was a thin(ish) wrapper on the Win32 API, Windows Forms is a totally object-oriented, hierarchical answer to Windows development under .NET.

Despite its “Forms” epithet, the layout of components is not done with a resource file as is the case in MFC dialogs and form windows. Every component is a concrete instance of a class. Placement of the components and control of their properties are accomplished by programming them via their methods and accessors. ...