Win32 API Debate

The cluster centers on discussions about the Win32 API's stability, longevity, direct usability in Windows development, and comparisons to other APIs like POSIX, often in contexts of porting, legacy support, and alternative designs.

➡️ Stable 0.6x Programming Languages
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#1764
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Keywords

CSRSS MS COM WndProc codeplex.com opengroup.org MFC RT CoreAudio FWIW win32 windows api apis nt microsoft visual studio hungarian studio posix

Sample Comments

rowbin Oct 13, 2023 View on HN

Win32 is probably as close as it gets

AnIdiotOnTheNet Oct 29, 2019 View on HN

Use the Win32 API directly. It's still there, never went anywhere. You can even use winelib on Linux.

pjmlp Aug 22, 2021 View on HN

Windows already has similar native APIs, why bother with this?

wvenable Sep 6, 2019 View on HN

I would hope it wouldn't require implementing the entire Win32 API! :)

j16sdiz Feb 3, 2024 View on HN

Developers works on win32api, not the kernel side NT* whatever stuffs.

nerdbert Jun 6, 2023 View on HN

Unlike Microsoft? Windows APIs are just as "bespoke".

benibela Nov 16, 2021 View on HN

It is because Windows has a stable API and still has all the old functions

leej Oct 8, 2009 View on HN

a sub-question: could someone comment on other types of apis like windows (win32) or posix api?

asdkjahsdkjsh Oct 12, 2013 View on HN

The lack of Win32 API is not a big deal porting-wise.

eek2121 Apr 9, 2025 View on HN

Win32 says hi. I know a lot of folks here don't like Microsoft, but it is the one API that refuses to die.