Database Users

Absuluut newbie, help on eMbedded C++ 4.0 please

Hello,
I'm a Visual Basic programmer for some time now.
Made some useful stuff they tell me.
Used C++ (Borland) about 10 years ago, so that’s a bit rusty.
Now I've ordered a Qtek 9090, and I would want to develop some software for it to. So I downloaded and installed the SDK and eMbedded C++ 4.0.
I thought, I start out on the emulator......
I can't even get my own "Hello world" program to work........
I have downloaded a "Hello World" program which I stepped through in debug mode. I have NO idea what they are doing there.
It contains about 20 files, hundreds lines of code, just to put "Hello World" on the screen of the emulator.
And I hoped that:
Code:
#include <stdio.h>
main()
{
printf("Hello, world!\n");
return 0;
}
pleased in a form, would do the trick………
The help in the IDE does not work.
Re-install it tell's me. I have done so, but the help function does not work.
Where is the "visual" part in the embedded Visual C++?
How do I place forms and buttons e.g.?
I have no idea where to start now.
Searched a lot of forum's for starters-help, but I can not find anything that helps me on my way. I just hope I've not become stupid.....
Would somebody please help me on my way?

Can I wholeheartedly recommend the book "Programming Windows CE", by Douglas Boling? It's normally cheap (or the second edition is) on ebay and it really is good.
Failing that, you're writing a console based application for something that uses a windowing environment by default, so you'll either have to change what you're linking to, or have a winmain that makes use of a graphical UI rather than stdout. Call MessageBox perhaps? This is all made *so* much easier with a working help system that you need to get that working.
You can manage resource files visually, so it really is Visual development. Plus, for free, it's an excellent development tool. Well, it isn't bad.
The best advice I can give is to get your machine set up correctly with EVC2002, or EVC 4 with SP4 and the appropriate SDKs, and take it from there.
Good luck starting out.
Cheers,
Nick.

chiark said:
Can I wholeheartedly recommend the book "Programming Windows CE", by Douglas Boling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanx. I'm going to order that book.
Failing that, you're writing a console based application for something that uses a windowing environment by default, so you'll either have to change what you're linking to, or have a winmain that makes use of a graphical UI rather than stdout. Call MessageBox perhaps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, yes. I know. Like I sayed, I usualy work with VB. It was just me, trying to oversimplify things.
What I ment to express is that I'm pretty supprised I still have to write the message-loop and the main-loop and the jsadgkh-loop and....
I just hoped to put up some forms and attach code to it. But maybe I'm missing the clue on this.
This is all made *so* much easier with a working help system that you need to get that working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have set it up on an other machine yesterday, and there the help works.
Today I'm going to make use of it.
You can manage resource files visually, so it really is Visual development. Plus, for free, it's an excellent development tool. Well, it isn't bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well.... That part, the visual part, I don't see yet, but like I sayed, I'm going to work throuhg the help, now that I've got that working.
And a 'free' tool. Well, that's allways nice. I think it is good for us, AND good for them. The more software there will be on the market, the better the devices sell.
The best advice I can give is to get your machine set up correctly with EVC2002, or EVC 4 with SP4 and the appropriate SDKs, and take it from there.
Good luck starting out.
Cheers,
Nick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for you tips.
Rens

Dox, drop me a PM, I've got an old copy of the book you can have if it would help
Re the message loop stuff, you've indeed got options. You can either use the message loop approach hitting the API directly, or you can opt for using MFC to abstract the stuff away from you.
Personally, I prefer the straightforwardness of using the API rather than MFC. By the time you've written one application, you've got the bulk of the next . I also write for older machines, and the overhead of MFC is a consideration, but on the XDA it really isn't.
If the application is simple, it can all be handled by a DialogBox. You will need to write a DialogProc to handle the appropriate messages, but the need to register a window class, get messages off the queue etc is removed from you. Similarly, you can have multiple pages on a single dialog box using propertypages.
If you did want to write a console application, you can do this but you need to change the linker options within EVC.
Have a good look at the samples, too, there's some real good stuff in there.
Cheers, and good luck
Nick.

[release] PhoneContacts

This is my first project for PocketPC. It's a simple Contacts replacement with search keypad.
PS: .NET CF 1.1 is required.
16/9/2006
- WM5.0 version added (category filter, contact update, contact delete bugs fixed)
11/9/2006 - 1.1.3.0
- Contacts list loads more faster on large amount of data
- Name filter and back button improved
3/9/2006
- Load Categories bug fixes
14/7/2006
- Added .NET 2.0 version
5/07/2006 - 1.1.2.0
- Added category filter
13/06/2006 - 1.0.1.6
- Some bug fixes
- Added Tools - Save Config
- Added Name [display] format

any screen shots of usage screens and config screens?
tested with which models?
tested with which os? wm5 or 2003se or?
Size of program after install?

It' tested only on O2 XDA mini, WM2003.

can you please upload it here. it says the file is corrupt if i download it. thanks

Here it is...
... moved into the first post

does this work with WM5?

Installed on Qtek 9100 WM 5. It works perfectly.
The only defects are:
When it is exited from the program loses the formulations of the English language and the dimension of the font.
Is not possible to set up the order of reading of the contacts 1°/2° or 2°/1° name.

dborello said:
Installed on Qtek 9100 WM 5. It works perfectly.
The only defects are:
When it is exited from the program loses the formulations of the English language and the dimension of the font.
Is not possible to set up the order of reading of the contacts 1°/2° or 2°/1° name.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About configuration(lang, font...): I dont know how program works on WM5. I'll try to correct it as soon as possible and i will add order of reading ( <FN MN LN> and <LN, FN> ).

thanks CDK. ill post it on my blog http://oldsap.blogspot.com

Great job - really. I love it. it works perfectly on my QTEK9100 as posted already. This is one tool which will replace the built in contacts.
Some more suggestions and hints:
- Program loading lasts very long - maybe it is decreasable??
- If i write a name the tool greps for all matches in the first and the last name. That is great. I love it. Is it possible to search also in the middle of the string. Example: Alex and i type lex
- Is it possible to grep not only first and last name but also the other fields which are defined in the Pocket Outlook Object model?
- Is it possible to have more search boxes or filter for the categories?
- Maybe it is possible to have a WM05 compile where for example a context menu pops up with all the selectable categories
- The russian/english problem posted already is also on my device
A lot of requests. Let me know if you find some useful.
Thanx anyway for this great app.

how do you install this? just copy all the files into a folder and run?

topcaser said:
Some more suggestions and hints:
- Program loading lasts very long - maybe it is decreasable??
- If i write a name the tool greps for all matches in the first and the last name. That is great. I love it. Is it possible to search also in the middle of the string. Example: Alex and i type lex
- Is it possible to grep not only first and last name but also the other fields which are defined in the Pocket Outlook Object model?
- Is it possible to have more search boxes or filter for the categories?
- Maybe it is possible to have a WM05 compile where for example a context menu pops up with all the selectable categories
- The russian/english problem posted already is also on my device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. I give some explanation. This program is written for my request and with my collaboration. That's why i try to answer some questions and I will post, sometimes, new release.
1. This is .NET :-( Here is a "hide"-feature added to solve (temporary) this problem. I think F.T.D. post here the source code as soon as possible. May be someone rewrite this on native C.
2. May be. But this may be unusable with huge contacts lists...
3 & 4. Describe, please, what you want to see. Perhaps this will be added in the hext releases.
5. ... requires WM5 device... :-(
6. This is corrected and will be posted today (if we understand the problem correctly)

ikkoku said:
how do you install this? just copy all the files into a folder and run?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.

topcaser said:
...
- Is it possible to have more search boxes or filter for the categories?
- Maybe it is possible to have a WM05 compile where for example a context menu pops up with all the selectable categories
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be VERY appreciate if you show me how to get available categories in system (it might be as well in .NET)

good job
have sudjustion.. i think it's beter to put the keys in ordenary like on the keybord .. it will be faster to tape for users how know where is every key in the keybord
thanks

miky420 said:
good job
have sudjustion.. i think it's beter to put the keys in ordenary like on the keybord .. it will be faster to tape for users how know where is every key in the keybord
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it will become customizable in the next releases.
For example:
- main file is a list: [picture name=text file (symbols code list)]
- every keyboards are: picture itself and text file with symbols code.

updated. see first post for details.

that's really gr8.... i like it......

is there a way this can work with .net cf2 because i have a .net cf2 loaded rom on my 8125 and when i try to run this it gives me an error

cybiker123 said:
is there a way this can work with .net cf2 because i have a .net cf2 loaded rom on my 8125 and when i try to run this it gives me an error
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uploaded

Creating custom on-screen keyboard (SIP)

Dear developers,
Do you have examples (source code) that could be used / modified to create custom on-screen keyboard (SIP)?
Inspired by the iPhone keyboard and the latest HappyTappingKeyboard:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=296455
I created my own design (attached) that I believe could be a better on-screen keyboard for our beloved WM device:
- It has a clean layout
- Maximized towards 240 pixels wide
- Relatively good looking
- Have the most important keys in the main layout
- Plan to have "custom keys" in the 3rd layout (the "..." button)
What do you think?
But as you probably know, I am not a WM coder/developer.
So, I am just wondering if someone can provide an example or even better to pick up this project.

gogol, I really like the look of your keyboard design/layout! I've been trying to get HappyTapping to work (well, it "works" but can't be skinned) for the past week on my Axim X50v. Anyway, I don't see much hope for HappyTapping, so naturally I'm excited to see someone looking to develop a keyboard similar to it (and hopefully in the English language). I have no experience developing SIPs for Windows Mobile, but I do have Visual Studio 2005 and have done some WM apps before.
I hope some others with knowledge of SIP developement can chime in and help this thing take off!

cavyman said:
gogol, I really like the look of your keyboard design/layout! I've been trying to get HappyTapping to work (well, it "works" but can't be skinned) for the past week on my Axim X50v. Anyway, I don't see much hope for HappyTapping, so naturally I'm excited to see someone looking to develop a keyboard similar to it (and hopefully in the English language). I have no experience developing SIPs for Windows Mobile, but I do have Visual Studio 2005 and have done some WM apps before.
I hope some others with knowledge of SIP developement can chime in and help this thing take off!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here's a link to HappyTapping keyboard skins (but in Japanese)
http://briefcase.yahoo.co.jp/bc/tf_....src=bc&.done=http%3a//briefcase.yahoo.co.jp/

NNagendran said:
here's a link to HappyTapping keyboard skins (but in Japanese)
http://briefcase.yahoo.co.jp/bc/tf_....src=bc&.done=http%3a//briefcase.yahoo.co.jp/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I should have been more clear. I have about every skin out there for Happy Tapping and have tried them all. For some reason, the skin is just never applied to my keyboard. I don't know if it's a conflict with my ROM or with WM5. I know it is skinnable and many have done so successfully without any problems...it pretty much just hates me. Thanks anyway for the link!

Here you got a link about Soft Input Panel. You get a code example when you download the SDK for mobile 6. I'm still working on trying to learn my self C++ and mabye manage to make on my self. But we will se what i manage in the end .

I love Blimkeys. Unfortunately, there has not been an update of it that uses predictive T9 like the T9 SIP pad that's built in into many phones. Maybe you can do something similar to Blimkeys, but w/ 9 and skinnable keyboards?

ialu, thanks for that, I will try to get my hand dirty as well (I am not familiar with C++, but I know other Windows programming language to help me learning).
People are complaining that WM phone is difficult to use, iPhone owners brag their UI.
But I saw a lot of progress on improving the WM user interface.
The finger friendly contact from "tene" is one example (very nice app!).
However, I still cant find a good on-screen keyboard, until we found that HappyTappingKeyboard. But again, I think it can be improved. That's why I started this project.
ialu, please let me know if you can compile that example and then use it in the emulator.
ialu said:
Here you got a link about Soft Input Panel. You get a code example when you download the SDK for mobile 6. I'm still working on trying to learn my self C++ and mabye manage to make on my self. But we will se what i manage in the end .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

gogol said:
ialu, thanks for that, I will try to get my hand dirty as well (I am not familiar with C++, but I know other Windows programming language to help me learning).
People are complaining that WM phone is difficult to use, iPhone owners brag their UI.
But I saw a lot of progress on improving the WM user interface.
The finger friendly contact from "tene" is one example (very nice app!).
However, I still cant find a good on-screen keyboard, until we found that HappyTappingKeyboard. But again, I think it can be improved. That's why I started this project.
ialu, please let me know if you can compile that example and then use it in the emulator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i have managed to run it on the emulator

This is also a good example:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms881221.aspx

And this :
http://blogs.msdn.com/windowsmobile/archive/2005/02/10/370355.aspx
http://www.marcusperryman.members.winisp.net/BlogStuff/NewSIP.zip

Thats the example that follows the SDK for mobile 6

gogol said:
Dear developers,
Do you have examples (source code) that could be used / modified to create custom on-screen keyboard (SIP)?
Inspired by the iPhone keyboard and the latest HappyTappingKeyboard:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=296455
I created my own design (attached) that I believe could be a better on-screen keyboard for our beloved WM device:
- It has a clean layout
- Maximized towards 240 pixels wide
- Relatively good looking
- Have the most important keys in the main layout
- Plan to have "custom keys" in the 3rd layout (the "..." button)
What do you think?
But as you probably know, I am not a WM coder/developer.
So, I am just wondering if someone can provide an example or even better to pick up this project.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks very good, thanks for sharing.
But I would like to use this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=427913
Basically I need the bigest keys possible. And only letters.
Anyone can help?
Thanks.

Getting into WM5/WM6 programming?

I am interested in dabbling a little in programming for my Kaiser. I have programming experience, mainly php / mysql, though I have done some C and lots of scripting in my time. My biggest project so far though was an open source google maps mod to put on your website - thousands of lines of php / js code, mysql backend and AJAX tieing it together, some graphics routines etc, so I am no drooling n00b when it comes to coding.
How easy is it to develop basic stuff in WM?
I have access to MSDN, so I can get Visual Studio (2005 for sure, maybe later versions), so I think I have access to the apps I would need. I just ordered some books to help me along, but was wondering if I would likely face a steep learning curve.
All the stuff I want to do is today screen plugins - was thinking of having a bash at writing my own quick contacts plugin - *very* basic - just a vertically scrolling list of names over a transparent PNG button with maybe photos from the address book - I want it to be able to scroll by vertical gesture within an ultimatelaunch tab - is this likely to be quite easy and quite a good "first app" to program?
I was also looking at writing a lite repacement for phoneweaver as the only feature I use is to turn on BT when it detects power but no activesync (ie auto turn on BlueTooth when I am in the car and the device is cradled) - maybe a hack to force the keyboard backlight on in the same situation.
I have bought:
Microsoft® Visual C#® 2005 Step by Step (Microsoft)
Microsoft® Mobile Development Handbook [Paperback] by A. Wigley; Daniel... (Microsoft)
Comments / suggestions?

I would also be very interested in a thread or good reference on how to start to program app for mobile gadgets. Actually i'm a Delphi coder, and i would like to implement some applications on WM platform, but when i search over internet there's plenty of information, but no usefull information with "real-life" recomendations.

depend on the platform and language one wish to use really
there is c#.net, vb.net c++.net
c++ miniMFC, c++ PureWin32 sdk
oldVB
...
here are some other posts asking pretty much the same thing from the forum
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=225405&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=237932&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=241670&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=245426&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=228043&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=317913&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=302548&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=327164&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=305926&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=336251&highlight=programming
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=226412&highlight=programming
codeguru.com got examples of various windows mobile programs too today items and such
about delphi i dont know if anybody got some info i would say borlands site

Thanks rud. I was aware of various other posts, but my question was more of a "How steep is the learning curve?" rather than "How do you do it?".
There was also an element of "How do you do it?" insofar as there seem to be better or worse ways of going about various kinds of app (eg today apps with gesture support) which I am finding a bit of a minefield, but I feel that the new post was valid because I am giving an indication of my experience level and what I am trying to acheive - none of the posts you listed cover the combination of stuff I am trying to do. Reqs like pulling from outlook db and allowing gesture scrolling in a today plugin, I dunno, I may waste ages with C#, for example, only to realise it is a breeze with C++... I also note that a google search for wm programming gesture scroll today screen currently ranks this very thread #5. By tomorrow that'll be a googlewhack then.
Yes, there are various posts about how to get started, but I think maybe a sticky would be in order with a bit of info on the various paths - the vb/c++/c# options are quite bewildering - stuff like
levenum said:
Your question is mainly a matter of personal preference.
Here is my opinion on C++ vs. C#:
C++ advantages:
- Native code is faster than .NET
- Easier access to Win32 APIs
- Ability to write system components like keyboards and today plugins.
C# advantages:
- Saves on coding time
- Allows use of many .NET CF components to quickly accomplish complex tasks.
Please note that I am bias. I hate .NET and want nothing to o with it. Specially on mobile devices that do not have the processing power to spare for the .NET overhead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is really useful, maybe if it were expanded upon, info such as for this route you need visual studio, etc, etc it would make a really good sticky for the dev section.

evilc said:
I am interested in dabbling a little in programming for my Kaiser. I have programming experience, mainly php / mysql, though I have done some C and lots of scripting in my time. My biggest project so far though was an open source google maps mod to put on your website - thousands of lines of php / js code, mysql backend and AJAX tieing it together, some graphics routines etc, so I am no drooling n00b when it comes to coding.
How easy is it to develop basic stuff in WM?
I have access to MSDN, so I can get Visual Studio (2005 for sure, maybe later versions), so I think I have access to the apps I would need. I just ordered some books to help me along, but was wondering if I would likely face a steep learning curve.
All the stuff I want to do is today screen plugins - was thinking of having a bash at writing my own quick contacts plugin - *very* basic - just a vertically scrolling list of names over a transparent PNG button with maybe photos from the address book - I want it to be able to scroll by vertical gesture within an ultimatelaunch tab - is this likely to be quite easy and quite a good "first app" to program?
I was also looking at writing a lite repacement for phoneweaver as the only feature I use is to turn on BT when it detects power but no activesync (ie auto turn on BlueTooth when I am in the car and the device is cradled) - maybe a hack to force the keyboard backlight on in the same situation.
I have bought:
Microsoft® Visual C#® 2005 Step by Step (Microsoft)
Microsoft® Mobile Development Handbook [Paperback] by A. Wigley; Daniel... (Microsoft)
Comments / suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey!
Congrats on getting your hands on with Windows Mobile...
The easiest way is to download Visual Studio 2005(2008 You have it on MSDN) - and create a new application with it.
It's sooo easy if you know your object oriented programming, as long as you want to create ordinary "office" applications... But if you want to do more advanced things(like creating a today-plugin) you need to go over to c++(even though you can download a .net home-plugin-container which acts like a "loader" for your plugin written in c++) - and also, if you want to create good GUIs, I think you are better off with c++... But then again, I think you need a bit more effort in learning c++ then using c#...
Hope this helps...

Still slogging my way thru this...
I got hold of an MSDN disc, first off I installed visual studio 6 - bad move.
Had to uninstall before trying to install VS 2005, now I think it has screwed something up, every time I try and create a "Smart Device Win32" project, I get a "Project creation failed" error. I may have to re-GHOST my OS to get rid of it
So much time just finding out what apps I need and what options to choose to start a project...
I found http://channel9.msdn.com/wiki/default.aspx/MobileDeveloper.HomePage which seems helpful

Thanks for responses!
Evilc, you link of msdn is excellent point, many thanks!

I have also just started programming in C++ ..i dnt have any knowledge of any type of codes..i learned every thing frm MSDN libraries ( i have many many of them caz i have VS 2006 VS 2005 and VS 2008 )..i recommend you to work with C++ because it uses less system resources and is fast..hope this helps..check out my Kitchen coded in C++ ( link in signature )

Yeah, I think C++ is definately more what I am looking for from what I have learned thus far.
Re-Ghosted OS - totally fresh XP SP2, installed Visual Studio 2005, still the same error. GRRR!
Visual C++ --> Smart Device --> Win32 Smart Device Project == "Project Creation Failed"
Other Languages --> Visual C# --> Smart Device --> Windows CE 5.0 --> Device Application == Project created OK.
Some posts I have found on the net say it is an IE7 issue, I may try uninstalling that or flashing back to an OS image with IE6 only, but this is really winding me up and taking a *lot* of my time...

I uninstalled IE7 and the problem went away. Woohoo!!

starting programming windows mobile
hello
1. see my web site.
2. see my book recommendations, especially the 'programming windows ce' by douglas boling. It has an example for many things and a today sample too. Most is based on visual c++ 3.0/4.0. Embedded Visual C 4 can be loaded free of charge at ms.
regards
josef

Nice site, thanks.
The windows mobile 6 sdk actually has a today screen sample, along with samples of most of the things I need to do.

neofix said:
It's sooo easy if you know your object oriented programming, as long as you want to create ordinary "office" applications... But if you want to do more advanced things(like creating a today-plugin) you need to go over to c++(even though you can download a .net home-plugin-container which acts like a "loader" for your plugin written in c++) - and also, if you want to create good GUIs, I think you are better off with c++... But then again, I think you need a bit more effort in learning c++ then using c#...
Hope this helps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are we using the same language?? Cos this (C++ Win32 for Mobile Devices) is by far and above the most difficult programming language to get into that I have ever tried. Yes, worse than ASM.
Trying to code an app that prints "Hello World" has taken me over 5 hours with no success yet - most languages I have a go at it's 5 minutes.
From http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms901121.aspx :
Code:
int DrawText(
HDC hDC,
LPCTSTR lpString,
int nCount,
LPRECT lpRect,
UNIT uFormat
);
It gives a brief description of what the parameters are, but absolutely no examples and no explanation of what all the parameters do or how to initialize them, so even browsing an example is no use to me.

u can simply try
MessageBox::Show(" your message ");

ather90 said:
u can simply try
MessageBox::Show(" your message ");
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that .NET ?
I thought the consensus was that Native Win32 or whatever it is called was the better way to go?
This is part of the problem. I cannot even work out what to put in a search engine to pull out info on the right "flavour" of C and for the pocketpc. It's *so* bewildering.

Hello evilc.
First I noticed you have some trouble with VS 2005. It probably won't be easy now, but if you ever get to format your machine again don't install it (unless you absolutely need some other features).
For C / C++ programming for WM device I strongly recommend eVC 4 as it is much lighter and responds quicker. (It's a free download as well)
Second, though you can program for WM in C# and VB .NET which are both .NET Object based languages and are probably much closer in form to PHP and Java then C, you can not write system components such as today plugins in those languages.
You need native code so C / C++ is the only way to go.
(Actually, there is a trick to combine C# and C++ DLLs to create a today plugin where C# will do the main stuff, but its pretty complicated)
What you need is to learn basic Win32 programming and using the windows API. They are almost identical for Windows Mobile and Desktop windows versions so any book on Win32 should teach you the basics.
(Personally I started with MS book on MFC and studio 6 but I would not recommend it)
Finally:
I would gladly explain the parameters of DrawText but I am not quite clear on how much familiarity you have with the Win32 mechanics, since the languages you are used to obscure them unlike C which gives you extra power but also makes you work much harder to get anything done.
Do you know how to handle messages, and how windows manages all abjects using handles? Any familiarity with GDI?
If not, it will be pretty difficult to explain.

levenum said:
Hello evilc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello! <waves>
First I noticed you have some trouble with VS 2005. It probably won't be easy now, but if you ever get to format your machine again don't install it (unless you absolutely need some other features).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tracked down the problem when I got home and installed on my desktop. When doing it on the laptop, whilst installing SP1 for studio 2005, I had hit "Not Now" to a reboot request and it had said installation failed. When I installed SP1 on my desktop and said "Yes" to the reboot request, the problem went away, so I guess it was fixed in SP1 but the installer is a bit picky.
For C / C++ programming for WM device I strongly recommend eVC 4 as it is much lighter and responds quicker. (It's a free download as well)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish I had that advice before as I wasted a day messing around with an MSDN CD, trying to work out what to install and what not. So does the eVC 4 download include an IDE? If not, what do you use?
Second, though you can program for WM in C# and VB .NET which are both .NET Object based languages and are probably much closer in form to PHP and Java then C, you can not write system components such as today plugins in those languages.
You need native code so C / C++ is the only way to go.
(Actually, there is a trick to combine C# and C++ DLLs to create a today plugin where C# will do the main stuff, but its pretty complicated)
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You don't have to tell me twice to avoid the bloatware ****e
What you need is to learn basic Win32 programming and using the windows API. They are almost identical for Windows Mobile and Desktop windows versions so any book on Win32 should teach you the basics.
(Personally I started with MS book on MFC and studio 6 but I would not recommend it)
Finally:
I would gladly explain the parameters of DrawText but I am not quite clear on how much familiarity you have with the Win32 mechanics, since the languages you are used to obscure them unlike C which gives you extra power but also makes you work much harder to get anything done.
Do you know how to handle messages, and how windows manages all abjects using handles? Any familiarity with GDI?
If not, it will be pretty difficult to explain.
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No GDI Experience. I take it this would be the library of choice for drawing the screen of a today screen app? Stuff like the HTC Home clock or the new Face Contacts - they would likely use Native C++ and GDI? Doesnt strike me as something you would do with a form.
Also, anyone got the skinny on vertically scrolling by click-and-drag inside a today screen app? Just a case of enabling a parameter? Has to be coded manually? Best way to do it smoothly? If you have seen the Conduits Pocket Player 3.x browse list - how it "eases in" and "eases out" at the ends of the list, has inertia so you can "flick" down the list, the alphabetical bar instead of the regular scroll bar - is that all coded manually or is there an api or something that can help?
Thanks for the help!

I just noticed your apps in your sig - checked out LVM time - noticed there was source - wooohoo! I generally pick these things up by example.
All that code just for a (configurable) clock on one line - wow. Great though, a really good example of a today app - minimal enough in functions so it is easier to suss how it all slots together, but full featured enough (implimented example of an options screen - yay!) to show how to do various things.
And Gnu as well! Nice, this will be the basis of my first test project too I think - at least now I have a framework to test out what I want to do and how to go about it without having to work out how to code the basis of the application.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart sir.
I tried to build it in VS2005, but I got a
fatal error C1083: Cannot open include file: 'todaycmn.h': No such file or directory
A quick google search showed todaycmn.h was part of the SDK, I found the file, dropped it into the headers section of the project, but no joy. I will probs just try eVC.
Oh, and having developed a today plugin, maybe you can answer this one:
As far as I can tell so far, debugging isn't very easy with a today app - something to do with the fact that the dll is not releasable? Is this an issue I will come up against? I hope its not a case of "reinstalling" the app each time you want to test... I was thinking maybe along the lines of have it as a normal app for debugging, then make it a today plugin when you want to build to use it?
I dunno, probably trying to run before I can walk, my books shoulda been here today, oh well. Sorry for all the questions...

@evilc:
Are you using standard Win32 or MFC?
You may want to try using MFC since you get the flexibility of native development but with some nice class libraries that make your life easier.
As for click and drag behavior, that is usually implemented by handling the WM_LBUTTONDOWN, WM_LBUTTONUP and WM_MOUSEMOVE.
When you get wm_lbuttondown you set a flag that says the user is dragging. You use wm_mousemove to update the stylus position as long as this flag is set, then you unset it on wm_lbuttonup.
That's the basic idea anyway. Someone made a post about gesture recognition in this forum a few weeks ago with sample code. You should see if you can find that.

Managed Today Screen plugins
See:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms839442.aspx
for some background on the concept.
And:
http://www.christec.co.nz/blog/archives/279
Outlines what I think is a very ingenius technique for managed today screen plugins.
For those of you that want an easy way to make a today screen app in c#. Chris did all the C++ work for you.
Also I forgot to mention that the SDK samples cover all most every application type you can think of. Most of the good ones are Win32 though.
Also, keep in mind that you can use P/Invoke from your C# apps to call native APIs. So don't let people tell you you need to use C++ just because you can access more api's. I will say that you should use C++ for games, or other apps that require high speed or advanced GUI's (it is VERY hard to do interesting gui techniques with C# and interop, trust me).
And finally, I would highly recommend using the most recent version of visual studio you can get (especially if you're using vista), unless your machine can't handle a newer version. I say so because visual studio gets more and more powerful as an editor with each new iteration and I personally can't go back after I get used to the new features they introduce. And the new versions are almost necessary if you're going to do .net development.

[APP]ShootMe! V2.6

Hi guys! Just to let you know there's a new version of ShootMe!.
This one supports QVGA devices and works with or without g-sensor. So, basically works on every windows mobile phone.
Check it out here: http://www.shootme.mobi

Looks good, i mgiht have to get the registered version, will try out the lite one first.

there is a EXE in the background after EXIT. SPYWARE ?
http://www.shootme.mobi/Downloads/ShootMeSetupV2.6Lite.CAB
>the freeware Lite version only has the following options: shotgun, uzi, whip, boxing glove, light sabre and hair clipper.

Mamamam said:
there is a EXE in the background after EXIT. SPYWARE ?
http://www.shootme.mobi/Downloads/ShootMeSetupV2.6Lite.CAB
>the freeware Lite version only has the following options: shotgun, uzi, whip, boxing glove, light sabre and hair clipper.
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Click to collapse
No, my app doesn't have any spyware. Are you sure?

Hello ShotMe Programmer,
ShotMe is easy to disassemble, the obfuscator you use is useless, with dotnet reflector you can easily create the source again.
-Also there is a bug:
ShotMe doesnt Exits, when you press Exit, it just hides
-Also the Key is very complicated and it is not comfortable to enter it, changing it into an alphanumeric or numeric key would be much finer
PS: That wasnt Warez just an Suggestion TO THE DEVELOPER

will this work on my 320x320 device?

Well, it supports QVGA (240x320), so I think it works on your device although it may look a little strange.

scilor said:
Hello ShotMe Programmer,
ShotMe is easy to disassemble, the obfuscator you use is useless, with dotnet reflector you can easily create the source again.
-Also there is a bug:
ShotMe doesnt Exits, when you press Exit, it just hides
-Also the Key is very complicated and it is not comfortable to enter it, changing it into an alphanumeric or numeric key would be much finer
PS: That wasnt Warez just an Suggestion TO THE DEVELOPER
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your suggestions I'll be taking them into account for the next release.

Don't forget to sign-up when you visit www.shootme.mobi.

it doesnt fit the screen of samsung epix 320x320... i hope this would be fix.