| Platform SDK: Win32 API |
One of the major design goals of the Win32 Application Programming Interface (API) was to minimize the effort required to port existing 16-bit Windows-based applications. However, some changes were mandated by the larger address space. Pointers, handles, and graphics coordinates were widened to 32 bits.
When porting your code from 16-bit Windows to 32-bit Windows, you may need to revise code that uses functions that are no longer supported. However, the majority of Windows functions are supported in the Win32 API or maintained for backward compatibility. If you are updating your code or creating new code, do not use the functions maintained only for backward compatibility. Instead, use the new functions introduced in the Win32 API.