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Thread: [RESOLVED] API? How did they know about it ?

  1. Jul 27th, 2009, 01:14 AM #1
    aNubies
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    Resolved [RESOLVED] API? How did they know about it ?

    I'm just wondering how programmer know what api should they call on what library it belong. How and where can i get api function. Not using internet of course, cause im thinking if i am in a situation "emergency" that i need an api function where should i get it and how to call it. Hope you got my point
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  2. Jul 27th, 2009, 05:55 AM #2
    Davadvice
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    Re: API? How did they know about it ?

    hi, there is an application that list all the API functions a calls. think it may be in the API section.

    David
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  3. Jul 27th, 2009, 07:06 AM #3
    RhinoBull
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    Re: API? How did they know about it ?

    Without the internet you would want to have one of these books.
    With internet access (and I wouldn't understand why this would not be your first choice) MSDN on-line is your first stop.
    There are many "api-helpers" sites out there so here is just a few:
    http://vbnet.mvps.org/api/apis/index.html
    http://custom.programming-in.net/
    http://allapi.mentalis.org/
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  4. Aug 7th, 2009, 11:37 PM #4
    aNubies
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    Re: API? How did they know about it ?

    Late reply here , thanks to you guys and RhinoBull so theres no other way to look for api function via looking in registry or system32 and so on.
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  6. Aug 8th, 2009, 09:20 AM #5
    si_the_geek
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    Re: API? How did they know about it ?

    There might be (I don't know of any), but even if there is you would not know how to use them without some documentation.
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  7. Aug 14th, 2009, 07:13 PM #6
    RobDog888
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    Re: API? How did they know about it ?

    You can download the API VIewer utility and API Guide from allapi.mentalis.org for off line viewing and API definitions and declarations.

    API Viewer utility download link in my signature.
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  8. Aug 15th, 2009, 10:11 PM #7
    aNubies
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    Re: API? How did they know about it ?

    Hmph i see so all programmers are rely on the documentation. Thank you all.
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  9. Aug 16th, 2009, 07:32 PM #8
    RhinoBull
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    Re: [RESOLVED] API? How did they know about it ?

    Of course we do.
    Imagine you developed some dll and published it without any documentation what so ever.
    Everybody will be asking you about what it does, list of functions (and arguments they accept, etc, etc...) it has but you'd say something like "you guys are smart, you can fiigure it out on your own...".
    Get the point? I hope you do.
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  11. Aug 16th, 2009, 09:45 PM #9
    Shaggy Hiker
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    Re: [RESOLVED] API? How did they know about it ?

    There are ways to look at functions exposed in dlls, but they are painful without documentation. You could see the arguments needed, infer a guess about what the function does based on the name of the function and the name of the dll, then try blasting it with various argument values, hoping to see some pattern in what happens, but it would be a chore. Many functions return a code, which is generally an integer. Is this a meaningful return? An error message? Success? How would you even know?

    So what is it you are hoping to do?
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  12. Aug 17th, 2009, 07:06 AM #10
    Davadvice
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    Re: API? How did they know about it ?

    Quote Originally Posted by RobDog888 View Post
    You can download the API VIewer utility and API Guide from allapi.mentalis.org for off line viewing and API definitions and declarations.

    API Viewer utility download link in my signature.
    thats what i was talking about thanks Rob !!
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  13. Aug 17th, 2009, 06:59 PM #11
    RhinoBull
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    Re: API? How did they know about it ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Davadvice View Post
    thats what i was talking about thanks Rob !!
    I'm sure you missed few links I provided in post #3.
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  14. Aug 20th, 2009, 05:38 AM #12
    Davadvice
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    Re: API? How did they know about it ?

    Quote Originally Posted by RhinoBull View Post
    I'm sure you missed few links I provided in post #3.
    too much reading for me, RB a thanks to you also.

    David
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  15. Aug 21st, 2009, 09:35 PM #13
    aNubies
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    Re: [RESOLVED] API? How did they know about it ?

    Yeah, I get your point, RB . Thanks
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