Introduction

The MicrosoftÒ WindowsÔ operating system is a single-user personal-computer operating system that employs a graphical user interface. This graphical interface uses a variety of resources that must be constructed in specific formats. This manual, the Microsoft Windows Programmer's Reference, Volume 4, describes these resource formats and executable-file headers.

Part 1, “File Formats,” describes the formats for the principal types of files used by Windows applications. The chapters in this part provide detailed information about the file formats, as well as about the MS-DOSÒ and Windows executable-file headers and resource formats within executable files. Topics include the formats for the following types of files: graphics, clipboard, font, group, calendar, object-module, library, symbol, and metafile.

Part 2, “Tools Reference,” provides detailed reference information about the statements, commands, and macros for tools used to create and maintain Windows resources. Topics include resource-definition statements, assembly-language macros, and help statements and macros. Each entry in this section gives the purpose of the command or macro; its complete syntax, parameters, and return values; and cross-references to related commands or macros. Many entries also include expanded comments on the use of the command or macro.