2.1 Before we start

In the next four chapters, we will be looking at how to create graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for Fortran programs using QuickWin. In subsequent chapters, we will learn how to develop GUIs using the Win32 application programming interface (API). QuickWin is essentially a wrapper around a subset of the Win32 API commands to conveniently insulate Fortran programmers from having to develop software in a Win32 environment. Therefore, many of the Win32 API functions described in later chapters can also be used for QuickWin applications. However, some caution must be exercised, because Win32 functions from the graphical device interface (GDI) library cannot be used to draw on a QuickWin window. (QuickWin keeps a window buffer, and the altered window would be destroyed on redraw.)

Most QuickWin programs will need to access functions contained in the DFWIN and DFLIB modules; this is achieved by including USE DFWIN and USE DFLIB statements in your programs. If your application uses dialog boxes and their associated controls, you must also include a USE DFLOGM statement in the application. If you are in doubt about which USE statements to include in your program for a particular function, look up the function name in the online help documentation, and it will give you information about which module is required.