How to compile a code for Windows GUI application using cl command?

Question

I would like to run the tutorial called Module 1. Your First Windows Program without using Visual Studio Code. I'd like to use vim for it. I installed the Visual Studio, and run the basic code on the official page.

However, when I want to compile a code that simply creates a window, it gives LNK2019 errors for "__imp_CreateWindowExW, __imp_ShowWindow", and others. In the end, it gives "x.exe: fatal error LNK1120: 11 unresolved externals".

I try to compile my x.cpp file using "cl /EHsc /ZW x.cpp /link" command in the x64 Native Command Prompt.

This is my first time asking here, if there is any mistake in my question sorry for it. I am looking forward to provide further information if needed, Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,Arda Şenyürek

/ZW is used for UWP projects, not required for Win32 projects.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/build/reference/zw-windows-runtime-compilation?view=msvc-170

But the exe was created successfully. You should be able to find x.exe in the current directory.

Best regards,

Minxin Yu

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Answer 2

Check if the errors decrease after adding some library files: cl /EHsc /ZW x.cpp /link user32.lib kernel32.lib.

it certainly did. Now it only gives me

dllmain.cpp(16): warning C4447: 'main' signature found without threading mode
l. Consider using 'int main(Platform::Array<Platform::String^>^ args)'.
Microsoft (R) Incremental Linker Version 14.36.32537.0
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation.  All rights reserved.
/winmd
/out:x.exe
user32.lib
kernel32.lib
x.obj
c:\hello>