activex programming and usage!

[abdul]

I have read some tutorials on the web and also some books on programming windows but I still have not found any article that shows me how to use activex controls like winsock or any 3rd party controls in my C++ program. And also I want to know how to make my own activex control using pure C++
(NO MFC!)

[parksie]

Firstly, you don't need the Winsock control

Secondly, ActiveX controls in pure API would send the most determined coder scurrying to the drinks cabinet

In VC++, you can autogenerate the interface classes required by going Insert->Components and Controls->ActiveX Controls and choosing the one you want.

[abdul]

Originally posted by parksie
Firstly, you don't need the Winsock control

Secondly, ActiveX controls in pure API would send the most determined coder scurrying to the drinks cabinet

In VC++, you can autogenerate the interface classes required by going Insert->Components and Controls->ActiveX Controls and choosing the one you want.

Sorry, I did not understand that! So I cannot write or use activex controls without using VC++?

[parksie]

No. But you have to mess around with interface pointers. ActiveX is a subset of COM so don't even bother thinking about it until you know how to use COM from the API.

VC++ just simplifies it (using #import)

[abdul]

So, Is it better to use VC++ to develop activex controls? Will I be sure that vC++ does not use MFC when I am developing activex controls (COM)?

[parksie]

ATL is very useful for building ActiveX controls, and there's very little reason not to use it. It's incredibly small (template based), and although it looks like MFC it's a lot nicer. Basically, you're a lot closer to the API but it helps simplify some of the really nasty stuff.

The ATL samples are fairly comprehensive

[abdul]

Then where can I learn ATL from. Is there any web site where I can get the informations about ATL?

[parksie]

*cough* MSDN *cough*

[abdul]

Does it have any documentation or tutorials on ATL or it just a *refrence*?

[parksie]

Reference, samples, tutorials - check it out. I think it's the Polygon sample you want.

[abdul]

I want to write my own textbox activex control. It should have highlighting, line numbering, and some other stuff...
I am not going to write it in vb (which is easier) because it is really slow for highlighting purpose!

[parksie]

Sounds pretty nice! If you want to do that I suggest basing it around the RTB control. Unfortunately I don't have time to show you a basic one