Using Wizards to Simplify Application Development

The Microsoft Windows CE Toolkit for Visual C++ 6.0 provides the following wizards for the MFC library for Windows CE:

• WCE MFC AppWizard (exe)
• WCE MFC AppWizard (dll)
• WCE MFC ActiveX ControlWizard
• WCE MFC ClassWizard

You can create an MFC application without using wizards. However, the wizards can save you time and eliminate some programming errors caused by entering code manually. More specifically, the wizards can assist you in the following ways:

• Whether you use the standard Windows CE functions or the MFC for Windows CE, there is code that is common to every Windows CE-based application. Many developers, when starting a new application, cut and paste this generic code from an application into the new one. When you use the WCE MFC ActiveX ControlWizard or one of the WCE MFC AppWizards to create a new application, the wizard adds this starter code to the application.
• When you use the WCE MFC ActiveX ControlWizard or one of the WCE MFC AppWizards to create an application, the wizard presents you with a series of options for designing your application, such as whether to use MFC as a shared DLL or as a static library, and whether or not you want to support document/view architecture, ActiveX controls, Windows CE sockets, or Windows CE databases. The wizard uses your responses to specify the appropriate compiler and linker settings and to include the appropriate header and library files for the type of application you are creating.
• As you write your code, you can use the Windows CE ClassWizard to insert message maps for your application’s windows, and properties, methods, and events for your ActiveX controls.

For more information about the MFC Wizards, see the Programmer’s Guide.