Using Resource Tools

A resource is initially composed of lines of text that describe the resource and its appearance. This text description is placed in an .RC file that contains all the program's resource descriptions. The .RC file is compiled with the Resource Compiler to create the actual resources, which are then linked into the program.

Resources are usually named or identified by a number. Your source code uses these references to access and display the resources. At some point while you're writing your Windows program, you'll need to create resources. When you create them is up to you. However, the resources must be included in your program before you can successfully run it.

These are the typical steps in creating and adding resources to a program:

1.Use the Dialog Editor to create dialogs for your program.

2.Use the Image Editor to create bitmap, cursor, or icon files.

3.Use QuickCase:W to create your menus and create an .RC file.

4.Add the .RC file to your project.

When you finish writing your program, build the project. The resource descriptions in the project (contained in the .RC and .DLG files) are compiled with the Resource Compiler and added to the program.

NOTE:

For a complete description of resources and Windows programming see Part 2, "Creating Windows Programs," in C for Windows.