API Basics

This content is no longer actively maintained. It is provided as is, for anyone who may still be using these technologies, with no warranties or claims of accuracy with regard to the most recent product version or service release.

This chapter covers some of the basics of calling the Windows API. You can apply the skills you learn in calling the Windows API to calling DLL functions in other DLLs as well.

The Windows API is a complex set of functions. This chapter doesn't cover absolutely everything that you need to know in order to call any function, but it aims to give you a starting point and directs you to other resources if you find that you need to know more.