There's been a lot of interest in, and a lot of postings about GDI+ recently here, which is good.
The thing we all realize we're up against here is the paucity, and the poor quality, of documentation for this very useful interface. (Referring to the GDI+ flat API, where all the functions are extracted from all that overloaded C++ nonsense.)
There are bits and pieces all over the Intertubes, of course. But there's no one reference or tutorial or other documentation that gives the poor puzzled programmer who's starting to work with this API a clue as to how use it.
Maybe we could be the ones to come up with that.
It'd be a lot of work, of course, but it also could be kinda fun.
Even though it's now, what? almost two decades old, it's still a great collection of code, much richer and more flexible than its GDI predecessor. So very much worth keeping alive, I think.
Along with this there should be an effort to fill out our own MASM32 support for GDI+, which is only partial. The bulk of the work as been done, with prototypes and library support for (I believe) all of the 600 or so functions, but there's plenty missing: structures, constants and "enumerations". All this information is available, so it's just a matter of translation.
Anyhow, I wanted to throw this out there to see what other members think of it.
With all of the interest lately, maybe we need a subforum just for gdiplus aka GDI+ (I hate all caps like that, seems DOSsy)? :joking:
Quote from: zedd151 on April 13, 2025, 05:38:34 AMWith all of the interest lately, maybe we need a subforum just for gdiplus? :joking:
That would be nice and needed.
Quote from: guga on April 13, 2025, 05:52:23 AMQuote from: zedd151 on April 13, 2025, 05:38:34 AMWith all of the interest lately, maybe we need a subforum just for gdiplus? :joking:
That would be nice and needed.
Yes, reason being that a single topic would become very cluttered, and not easy to find a particular post (for code or information). Hailing stoo23... :biggrin: ... we have a teeny tiny request, please.
Plus with a dedicated subforum, maybe just maybe, we will get more contributors to the body of knowledge about gdiplus.
With one caveat, maybe only trusted information (from reliable sources) and working code should be posted there. Not experimental code or debugging sessions, unless the topic title says debugging or experiment in the title, or other descriptor etc ...
Quote from: zedd151 on April 13, 2025, 06:04:05 AMWith one caveat, maybe only trusted information (from reliable sources) and working code should be posted there. Not experimental code or debugging sessions, unless the topic title says debugging or experiment in the title, or other descriptor etc ...
Welll, I wouldn't go that far: the usual forum discussion flow should reveal out any erroneous info or flawed techniques. In fact, that's one of the most valuable sources of information, showing what
doesn't work.
Anyhow, yes, let's create a subforum. Could be below this one, since it is a Windows API, but would that be burying it too deeply? Maybe it should be a top-level subforum.
Quote from: NoCforMe on April 13, 2025, 06:15:09 AMQuote from: zedd151 on April 13, 2025, 06:04:05 AMWith one caveat, maybe only trusted information (from reliable sources) and working code should be posted there. Not experimental code or debugging sessions, unless the topic title says debugging or experiment in the title, or other descriptor etc ...
Welll, I wouldn't go that far: the usual forum discussion flow should reveal out any erroneous info or flawed techniques. In fact, that's one of the most valuable sources of information, showing what doesn't work.
Anyhow, yes, let's create a subforum. Could be below this one, since it is a Windows API, but would that be burying it too deeply? Maybe it should be a top-level subforum.
I have already taken the liberty to make such a request... :azn:
Point taken, re what's erroneous or doesn't work.
So I ASS-U-ME you're going with a top-level subforum?
Quote from: NoCforMe on April 13, 2025, 06:26:33 AMSo I ASS-U-ME you're going with a top-level subforum?
Of course, I suggested it. Didn't I?
The more members we can get on board the more likely it may happen.
Oh top level, I don't know about that. But I did suggest a dedicated subforum.
I gotta go, the puppy dogs are getting anxious...
I disagree, it's a very small part of the Windows API. I also reckon that after the rush of "ooh, I found out this" that it will wither and die. just like the idea of an in-depth guide to interfaces, or how to set up VS for MASM :biggrin:
Updating the MASM32 SDK to use the Windows API post-2003 would be better (I would mention the MASM64 SDK but that is dead)
Here is a link to José Roca GDI+ chm help file: https://museum2023.it-berater.org/index.php?topic=4427.0 (https://museum2023.it-berater.org/index.php?topic=4427.0) - which is useful for offline reference.
Quote from: sinsi on April 13, 2025, 06:38:41 AMI disagree, it's a very small part of the Windows API. I also reckon that after the rush of "ooh, I found out this" that it will wither and die.
Gee, what a buzz kill. :undecided:
I was already thinking about calling it Windows Graphics instead or some similar variation.
It could then include gdi, gdi plus, and even direct draw (for those so inclined), or any other drawing related API's. (Like msimg32.dll - which has TransparentBlt, and who knows what else...)
It could them be a sub forum of Game Development perhaps? Or the Workshop?
Quote from: zedd151 on April 13, 2025, 07:20:01 AMGee, what a buzz kill. :undecided:
Sorry that my opinion is different to yours :rolleyes:
Quote from: NoCforMe on April 13, 2025, 05:27:43 AMAnyhow, I wanted to throw this out there to see what other members think of it.
Select members only, according to some :biggrin:
Quote from: sinsi on April 13, 2025, 07:31:05 AMSelect members only...
Yes, only for members interested in creating and working with graphics for Windows. :biggrin:
What is there not to like about that? :tongue:
Quote from: sinsi on April 13, 2025, 07:31:05 AMQuote from: zedd151 on April 13, 2025, 07:20:01 AMGee, what a buzz kill. :undecided:
Sorry that my opinion is different to yours :rolleyes:
Quote from: NoCforMe on April 13, 2025, 05:27:43 AMAnyhow, I wanted to throw this out there to see what other members think of it.
Select members only, according to some :biggrin:
Really? Seriously?
Isn't it a bit early to start casting snark here?
(Besides, that's my job.)
But seriously: I'd think it would be clear that "other members" means those members who show enough interest in the subject to involve themselves in this.
Maybe GDI+ is kind of a specialty thing, as you seem to think. Still viable and used by a lot of people.
In fact, the demystification and documentation project I had in mind could be of use not only to assembly-language programmers but to those who code in any language and want to use the flat API.
A compromise would be to call it "graphics programming" or similar. That could include more than just gdiplus. :thup:
I still think it would be worthwhile to have a subforum dedicated to graphics related programming, it doesn't necessarily have to be only for gdiplus.
Quote from: NoCforMe on April 13, 2025, 07:39:50 AMQuote from: sinsi on April 13, 2025, 07:31:05 AMQuote from: zedd151 on April 13, 2025, 07:20:01 AMGee, what a buzz kill. :undecided:
Sorry that my opinion is different to yours :rolleyes:
Quote from: NoCforMe on April 13, 2025, 05:27:43 AMAnyhow, I wanted to throw this out there to see what other members think of it.
Select members only, according to some :biggrin:
Really? Seriously?
Isn't it a bit early to start casting snark here?
(Besides, that's my job.)
But seriously: I'd think it would be clear that "other members" means those members who show enough interest in the subject to involve themselves in this.
Maybe GDI+ is kind of a specialty thing, as you seem to think. Still viable and used by a lot of people.
In fact, the demystification and documentation project I had in mind could be of use not only to assembly-language programmers but to those who code in any language and want to use the flat API.
Jeez, I just aired my
opinion, where's the snark?
I've been following "the adventures of zedd", occasionally contributing (and learning).
Quote from: zedd151 on April 13, 2025, 07:48:21 AMI still think it would be worthwhile to have a subforum dedicated to graphics related programming, it doesn't necessarily have to be only for gdiplus.
Now that is a better idea, since we can use a combination of GDI and GDI+, make it a bit broader.
Quote from: sinsi on April 13, 2025, 07:53:25 AMQuote from: zedd151 on April 13, 2025, 07:48:21 AMI still think it would be worthwhile to have a subforum dedicated to graphics related programming, it doesn't necessarily have to be only for gdiplus.
Now that is a better idea, since we can use a combination of GDI and GDI+, make it a bit broader.
Exactly. I was thinking about that while out walking the dogs. They agreed, btw.
OK, agreed.
Top level, then?
Quote from: NoCforMe on April 13, 2025, 07:58:02 AMOK, agreed.
Top level, then?
That'll probably be up to stoo. But if asked, I'd say yes.
OK,.. it obviously Can be a Top Level Forum or Subforum.
Do you want it placed Directly under the Workshop Section ?? or under the Windows API section ??
Agreed Title ??
and
Pointers to Any Other existing Topics/Threads that should or could also be moved there :smiley:
Quote from: stoo23 on April 13, 2025, 10:20:51 AMAgreed Title ??
Graphics Programming or similar?
This will allow for more than just gdiplus there. gdi32, directdraw, and others.
I'll let the others chime in on which is preferred, top level or subforum.
As far as what to move there, that will take some time to compile a list.
No other members want to let their voices be heard?Quote from: zedd151 on April 13, 2025, 10:24:52 AMI'll let the others chime in ...
Are there any other members still interested in a Windows Graphics related sub board or top level board?
I am only asking since no one else has responded here to stoo23Quote from: stoo23 on April 13, 2025, 10:20:51 AMOK,.. it obviously Can be a Top Level Forum or Subfotum.
I would choose top level subforum myself else...
Or here...Quote from: stoo23Do you want it placed Directly under the Workshop Section ?? or under the Windows API section ??
Doesn't really matter to me... if it going to be a sub board.
Or here...QuoteAgreed Title ??
To me, "Programming Windows Graphics" sounds appropriate, plus will allow for the inclusion of using other methods, and other API's beside GDI+.
Or here...QuotePointers to Any Other existing Topics/Threads that should or could also be moved there?
That would take quite some time to compile just the short list. To move all graphics related topics would be a continuous ongoing task that would not be easily accomplished by a single member.
I would say only the most recent topics should be moved. Maybe since January of this Year. That should lessen the burden significantly.
A lack of response to stoo23 here indicates, to me at least, that maybe it is not needed...
Quote from: zedd151 on April 13, 2025, 05:40:23 PMA lack of response to stoo23 here indicates, to me at least, that maybe it is not needed...
Quote from: sinsi on April 13, 2025, 06:38:41 AMI disagree, it's a very small part of the Windows API.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Quote from: sinsi on April 13, 2025, 05:50:44 PMQuote from: zedd151 on April 13, 2025, 05:40:23 PMA lack of response to stoo23 here indicates, to me at least, that maybe it is not needed...
Quote from: sinsi on April 13, 2025, 06:38:41 AMI disagree, it's a very small part of the Windows API.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Yes, but also.... you said later....
Quote from: sinsi on April 13, 2025, 07:53:25 AMQuote from: zedd151 on April 13, 2025, 07:48:21 AMI still think it would be worthwhile to have a subforum dedicated to graphics related programming, it doesn't necessarily have to be only for gdiplus.
Now that is a better idea, since we can use a combination of GDI and GDI+, make it a bit broader.
Sounds like you were in agreement with my
amended proposal...
So, which is it? You did a flip-flop there. :tongue:
Can you not see the need for clarification?
Originally I was accused of "buzz kill" and being snarky.
Then I agreed that a subforum was a better idea (relatively speaking).
Since no-one else has chimed in I stand by my original disagreement.
However, Rome wasn't built in a day :biggrin:
Not everyone is on the forum 24/7 like you zedd :smiley:
Give people a chance to air their opinion.
In retrospect maybe it is not a good idea.
I will crawl back under my rock now.
I will mention this no further.
Much Windows graphics are already in game forum,gdi,dx9,dx11, 100% assembler game,alternative to low level screen access like ddraw, and your own gdi+ coding ends up inside your games
About "the adventures of zedd",is other members contribute with "sword of truth" and sometimes "I confess I don't know anything of this kinda coding"?
:tongue:
:joking:
My vote: a sub-forum, under the Workshop, adjacent to the Windows API sub-forum.
Title: Windows Graphics Programming
Quote from: NoCforMe on April 13, 2025, 08:07:45 PMMy vote: a sub-forum, under the Workshop, adjacent to the Windows API sub-forum.
Title: Windows Graphics Programming
Agree.
Quote from: guga on April 14, 2025, 03:43:31 AMQuote from: NoCforMe on April 13, 2025, 08:07:45 PMMy vote: a sub-forum, under the Workshop, adjacent to the Windows API sub-forum.
Title: Windows Graphics Programming
Agree.
With me, that's 3 for, and 1 against. :smiley:
I am really surprised that no one else has commented here.
Graphics are an integral part of many programs, and something which many new members come here to learn (Windows graphics programming).
Quote from: zedd151 on April 14, 2025, 04:00:17 AMQuote from: guga on April 14, 2025, 03:43:31 AMQuote from: NoCforMe on April 13, 2025, 08:07:45 PMMy vote: a sub-forum, under the Workshop, adjacent to the Windows API sub-forum.
Title: Windows Graphics Programming
Agree.
With me, that's 3 for, and 1 against. :smiley:
As Capt. Picard used to say, "Make it so".
Quote from: NoCforMe on April 14, 2025, 05:12:41 AMQuote from: zedd151 on April 14, 2025, 04:00:17 AMQuote from: guga on April 14, 2025, 03:43:31 AMQuote from: NoCforMe on April 13, 2025, 08:07:45 PMMy vote: a sub-forum, under the Workshop, adjacent to the Windows API sub-forum.
Title: Windows Graphics Programming
Agree.
With me, that's 3 for, and 1 against. :smiley:
As Capt. Picard used to say, "Make it so".
In Assembler forum suitable quotes captain picard say -"warp 9","engage" :)